Pheidole porcula
This record describes Pheidole porcula (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very thick and strongly curved scape bases serve to distinguish this species from any other similar Pheidole in the region. The scape is the first elongated antennal segment. Can be locally common, but not often collected due to its somewhat restricted range. Often found nesting underneath rocks.
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
Habitat
Semiarid habitats like grasslands as well as cypress and oak forests/woodlands. Prefers to nest in clayish or loamy soils.
Geographic Range
Western and central TX, extending a little into bordering states like NM.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pheidole porcula. 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 porcula (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Pheidole porcula
What is Pheidole porcula?
Pheidole porcula is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Pheidole porcula?
Very thick and strongly curved scape bases serve to distinguish this species from any other similar Pheidole in the region. The scape is the first elongated antennal segment.
Where is Pheidole porcula found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Semiarid habitats like grasslands as well as cypress and oak forests/woodlands. Prefers to nest in clayish or loamy soils. |
| Range | Western and central TX, extending a little into bordering states like NM. |