Pseudomyrmex caeciliae
This record describes Pseudomyrmex caeciliae (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to P. elongatus but in our region only found in Texas. The two species overlap further south. Seems to be treated as Pseudomyrmex elongatus in
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Pseudomyrmecinae
- Genus
- Pseudomyrmex (Twig Ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Arboreal twig nester
Geographic Range
so. TX to Panama; Jamaica - map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pseudomyrmex caeciliae (Forel 1913)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pseudomyrmex caeciliae. 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 Pseudomyrmex caeciliae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Steven Wang; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudomyrmex caeciliae
What is Pseudomyrmex caeciliae?
Pseudomyrmex caeciliae is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Pseudomyrmex caeciliae?
Similar to P. elongatus but in our region only found in Texas. The two species overlap further south.
Where is Pseudomyrmex caeciliae found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Arboreal twig nester |
| Range | so. TX to Panama; Jamaica - map |