Pheidole dentata
This record describes Pheidole dentata (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is the most common species of Pheidole in the southern states. - TAMU
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Myrmicinae
- Tribe
- Attini
- Genus
- Pheidole (Big-headed Ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se US to w. TX (TX-FL-MD-KS) / n. Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Feed on live and dead insects, seeds and honeydew - TAMU
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: dentata : toothed, presumably referring to the propodeal spines
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pheidole dentata. 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 Pheidole dentata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pheidole dentata
What is Pheidole dentata?
Pheidole dentata is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Pheidole dentata found?
Range: se US to w. TX (TX-FL-MD-KS) / n. Mex. - Map
What does Pheidole dentata eat?
The diet of the Pheidole dentata includes Feed on live and dead insects, seeds and honeydew - TAMU.