Strumigenys dietrichi
This record describes Strumigenys dietrichi (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Due to its wide distribution there can be some variation in the clypeal hairs, sometimes with some having slightly expanded tips but never as bulbous as in S. ornata . Very similar to S. boltoni , but boltoni has a clypeus that is upturned at the tip in lateral view.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Myrmicinae
- Tribe
- Attini
- Genus
- Strumigenys (Miniature Trap-jaw Ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually nesting inside or under the bark of rotten logs.
Geographic Range
Vast distribution for a Strumigenys . In our area found from FL-MD-OH-KS-TX. South to Puebla, Mexico.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Springtail predators like other Strumigenys.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Strumigenys dietrichi Smith, M.R., 1931 Dr. Henry "Hank "Dietrich was a Cornell entomologist who specialized in Coleoptera , and a prolific collector of all insects.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Strumigenys dietrichi. 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 Strumigenys dietrichi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Strumigenys dietrichi
What is Strumigenys dietrichi?
Strumigenys dietrichi is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Strumigenys dietrichi?
Due to its wide distribution there can be some variation in the clypeal hairs, sometimes with some having slightly expanded tips but never as bulbous as in S. ornata . Very similar to S. boltoni , but boltoni has a clypeus that is upturned at the tip in lateral view.
Where is Strumigenys dietrichi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Usually nesting inside or under the bark of rotten logs. |
| Range | Vast distribution for a Strumigenys . In our area found from FL-MD-OH-KS-TX. South to Puebla, Mexico. |
What is the life cycle of a Strumigenys dietrichi?
Springtail predators like other Strumigenys.