Pogonomyrmex comanche
This record describes Pogonomyrmex comanche (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: Milano, Milam Co., Texas considered by Louisiana and Texas to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (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
sandy regions
Geographic Range
sc US - Map - Discover Life
Diet and Behavior
Life History
comanche lives at low elevation levels in pure sand, where it makes rather small, flat crater nests (Wheeler 1914)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pogonomyrmex comanche Wheeler 1902 Orig. Comb: Pogonomyrmex occidentalis comanche Wheeler, 1902
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pogonomyrmex comanche. 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 comanche (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by James C. Trager; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pogonomyrmex comanche
What is Pogonomyrmex comanche?
Pogonomyrmex comanche is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Pogonomyrmex comanche found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | sandy regions |
| Range | sc US - Map - Discover Life |
What is the life cycle of a Pogonomyrmex comanche?
comanche lives at low elevation levels in pure sand, where it makes rather small, flat crater nests (Wheeler 1914)