Sanwald's Amazon ant 0
Polyergus sanwaldi
This record describes Polyergus sanwaldi (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dull integument, numerous stout dark bristle on rear margin of head, in mixed species colonies with host Formica dolosa . This ant is quite similar in appearance to the southern species P. longicornis , distinguished morphologically by its shorter appendages. However, the distribution of P. sanwaldi from New York and New England west to North Dakota contrasts sharply with the separate, southern (Carolinas to southern Missouri and south) distribution of P. longicornis .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Formicinae
- Tribe
- Formicini
- Genus
- Polyergus (Amazon Ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Always nests in deep sand deposits - prairie, scrub, bear or black oak savanna vegetation, with thriving populations of the host, Formica dolosa .
Geographic Range
New York and New England west to Indiana and North Dakota
Seasonal Activity
Most easily seen when raiding for host pupae on hot summer afternoons.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for Long Island NY resident and Polyergus enthusiast Raymond Sanwald, who has for many years hosted numerous studies of this species and of P. lucidus on his 2 acres of prime ant habitat.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Polyergus sanwaldi. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanwald's Amazon ant 0
What is Sanwald's Amazon ant 0?
Sanwald's Amazon ant 0 (Polyergus sanwaldi) is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Sanwald's Amazon ant 0?
5.5-7mm outstretched, clypeal margin to gaster tip
How do you identify Sanwald's Amazon ant 0?
Dull integument, numerous stout dark bristle on rear margin of head, in mixed species colonies with host Formica dolosa .
Where is Sanwald's Amazon ant 0 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Always nests in deep sand deposits - prairie, scrub, bear or black oak savanna vegetation, with thriving populations of the host, Formica dolosa . |
| Range | New York and New England west to Indiana and North Dakota |
When is Sanwald's Amazon ant 0 active?
Sanwald's Amazon ant 0: seasonal activity - Most easily seen when raiding for host pupae on hot summer afternoons..