Rough-node Snapping Ant
Odontomachus ruginodis
This record describes Odontomachus ruginodis (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
I would rather lean for the very similar O. ruginodis (introduced, and now more common than O. brunneus ). 1st dorsal segment of the gaster appears to be shining, hairless or almost so, while O. brunneus is hairy and has a distinct wooly to silky effect. (R. Vernier, 28.i.2010)
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
Habitat
in FL, common in disturbed areas, on beaches, in open woods
Geographic Range
native to West Indies, adventive in our area: se. US (FL-MS) ( map )
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Odontomachus ruginodis. 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 Rough-node Snapping Ant (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Rough-node Snapping Ant
What is Rough-node Snapping Ant?
Rough-node Snapping Ant (Odontomachus ruginodis) is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Rough-node Snapping Ant?
I would rather lean for the very similar O. ruginodis (introduced, and now more common than O. brunneus ). 1st dorsal segment of the gaster appears to be shining, hairless or almost so, while O. brunneus is hairy and has a distinct wooly to silky effect. (R. Vernier, 28.i.2010)
Where is Rough-node Snapping Ant found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in FL, common in disturbed areas, on beaches, in open woods |
| Range | native to West Indies, adventive in our area: se. US (FL-MS) ( map ) |