Poneracantha triangularis
This record describes Poneracantha triangularis (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Propodeal teeth diagnostic for this species. Larger (5 vs. 4mm), darker in color and has slightly coarser longitudinal grooves than G. hartmanni. Formerly Gnamptogenys triangularis -- moved to Poneracantha by Camacho et al., 2022.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Ectatomminae
- Genus
- Poneracantha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Recently introduced from the Neotropics, first reported from Florida about 10 years ago, now apparently in the whole Gulf Coast region
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Millipede hunter
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Poneracantha triangularis. 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 Poneracantha triangularis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by James C. Trager; Additional contributions by metrioptera , Oliver.Yung
Frequently Asked Questions About Poneracantha triangularis
What is Poneracantha triangularis?
Poneracantha triangularis is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Poneracantha triangularis?
Propodeal teeth diagnostic for this species. Larger (5 vs. 4mm), darker in color and has slightly coarser longitudinal grooves than G. hartmanni.
Where is Poneracantha triangularis found?
Range: Recently introduced from the Neotropics, first reported from Florida about 10 years ago, now apparently in the whole Gulf Coast region
What does Poneracantha triangularis eat?
The diet of the Poneracantha triangularis includes Millipede hunter.