Solenopsis pergandei
This record describes Solenopsis pergandei (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Queens are yellow and very large (among the small Solenopsis) at ~4.5mm. In workers, the short head, coarse punctures on the head, and the perfectly round postpetiole separate this species from other US thief ants.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Myrmicinae
- Tribe
- Solenopsidini
- Genus
- Solenopsis (Fire Ants and Thief Ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Typically nests in sand habitats.
Geographic Range
Southern US, from NC to FL to NM.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Solenopsis pergandei. 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 Solenopsis pergandei (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Solenopsis pergandei
What is Solenopsis pergandei?
Solenopsis pergandei is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Solenopsis pergandei?
Queens are yellow and very large (among the small Solenopsis) at ~4.5mm. In workers, the short head, coarse punctures on the head, and the perfectly round postpetiole separate this species from other US thief ants.
Where is Solenopsis pergandei found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Typically nests in sand habitats. |
| Range | Southern US, from NC to FL to NM. |