Odontomachus haematodus
This record describes Odontomachus haematodus (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Large black aggressive species of Odontomachus (compared to O. brunneus). See Macgown et al. 2014 Because of its preference for disturbed habitats and its aggressive nature, this species can be a stinging nuisance pest. It can also compete with native Odontomachus and other ponerines and push them out of the area.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Ponerinae
- Tribe
- Ponerini
- Genus
- Odontomachus (Trap-jaw Ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Introduced in our area, known from coastal LA, MS, and AL, extending a little into the FL panhandle (as of 2019). Historically, all sorts of Odontomachus in collections have been misidentified as O. haematodus , which means its distribution is not clearly known at this time. As presently described, it seems to be a Neotropical species, with confirmed specimens from its native range in South America.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Odontomachus haematodus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Odontomachus haematodus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Odontomachus haematodus
What is Odontomachus haematodus?
Odontomachus haematodus is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Odontomachus haematodus?
Large black aggressive species of Odontomachus (compared to O. brunneus). See Macgown et al. 2014
Where is Odontomachus haematodus found?
Range: Introduced in our area, known from coastal LA, MS, and AL, extending a little into the FL panhandle (as of 2019). Historically, all sorts of Odontomachus in collections have been misidentified as O. haematodus , which means its distribution is not clearly known at this time. As presently described, it seems to be a Neotropical species, with confirmed specimens from its native range in South America.