Syscia augustae
This record describes Syscia augustae (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: on the banks of Waller Creek, Austin, Travis Co., Texas
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Dorylinae
- Tribe
- Cerapachyini
- Genus
- Syscia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw US (AZ to c. TX to Ark.) - Map
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Syscia augustae. 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 Syscia augustae (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by James C. Trager; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Syscia augustae
What is Syscia augustae?
Syscia augustae is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Syscia augustae?
Adult Length 2.5-3.75 mm (all casts) - AntWiki
Where is Syscia augustae found?
Range: sw US (AZ to c. TX to Ark.) - Map