Southern Fire Ant
Solenopsis xyloni
This record describes Solenopsis xyloni (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Generally similar to S. invicta in color and morphology. Differentiation is based on the lack of median tooth on the clypeus. Due to variation within colonies, several major workers should be examined in order to ensure that this feature is absent.
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
Mounds are not as large as S. invicta , often not seen at all.
Geographic Range
Historically the most common native fire ant across southern US , this species has been significantly reduced by the expansion of S. invicta .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Solenopsis xyloni McCook 1879
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Solenopsis xyloni. 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 Southern Fire Ant (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , John Carlson
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Fire Ant
What is Southern Fire Ant?
Southern Fire Ant (Solenopsis xyloni) is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Southern Fire Ant?
Generally similar to S. invicta in color and morphology. Differentiation is based on the lack of median tooth on the clypeus. Due to variation within colonies, several major workers should be examined in order to ensure that this feature is absent.
Where is Southern Fire Ant found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Mounds are not as large as S. invicta , often not seen at all. |
| Range | Historically the most common native fire ant across southern US , this species has been significantly reduced by the expansion of S. invicta . |