Strumigenys reflexa
This record describes Strumigenys reflexa (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The arrangement of clypeal hairs is diagnostic within the pulchella-group.
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
Cryptic soil dweller
Geographic Range
Eastern US.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Like other Strumigenys, a predator of Collembola.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Strumigenys reflexa (Wesson, L.G. & Wesson, R.G., 1939)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Strumigenys reflexa. 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 reflexa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Strumigenys reflexa
What is Strumigenys reflexa?
Strumigenys reflexa is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Strumigenys reflexa?
The arrangement of clypeal hairs is diagnostic within the pulchella-group.
Where is Strumigenys reflexa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Cryptic soil dweller |
| Range | Eastern US. |
What does Strumigenys reflexa eat?
The diet of the Strumigenys reflexa includes Like other Strumigenys, a predator of Collembola..