Pogonomyrmex bigbendensis
This record describes Pogonomyrmex bigbendensis (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Anterior margin of clypeus weakly concave (nearly straight); rugae on dorsum of head very fine, parts of surface smooth and glossy Type nest series (workers only) from Rio Grande Village (565 m), Big Bend National Park, Brewster Co., Texas, 30 July 1978. Texas Parks and Wildlife considers this a SGCN
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Myrmicinae
- Tribe
- Pogonomyrmecini
- Genus
- Pogonomyrmex (Harvester Ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Creosotebush scrub
Geographic Range
Big Bend Park, Brewster Co., TX / Chihuahua, Mex.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pogonomyrmex bigbendensis Francke & Merickel, 1982
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pogonomyrmex bigbendensis. 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 Pogonomyrmex bigbendensis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pogonomyrmex bigbendensis
What is Pogonomyrmex bigbendensis?
Pogonomyrmex bigbendensis is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Pogonomyrmex bigbendensis?
Anterior margin of clypeus weakly concave (nearly straight); rugae on dorsum of head very fine, parts of surface smooth and glossy
Where is Pogonomyrmex bigbendensis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Creosotebush scrub |
| Range | Big Bend Park, Brewster Co., TX / Chihuahua, Mex. |