Temnothorax obturator
This record describes Temnothorax obturator (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Rounder petiole than most other Temnothorax (as opposed to angled), small propodeal spines united by a carina.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Myrmicinae
- Tribe
- Crematogastrini
- Genus
- Temnothorax (Acorn Ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Typically nest in live oak galls ( Quercus virginiana ) but also sometimes hollow branches of living ironwood ( Bumelia lanuginosa ) and wafer ash ( Ptelea trifoliata )
Geographic Range
East central Texas, also collected from the Chiricahua Mtns of AZ
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Mature colonies rarely contain more than 36-40 workers
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Temnothorax obturator (Wheeler, W.M., 1903) Originally described in Leptothorax
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Temnothorax obturator. 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 Temnothorax obturator (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Temnothorax obturator
What is Temnothorax obturator?
Temnothorax obturator is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Temnothorax obturator?
Rounder petiole than most other Temnothorax (as opposed to angled), small propodeal spines united by a carina.
Where is Temnothorax obturator found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Typically nest in live oak galls ( Quercus virginiana ) but also sometimes hollow branches of living ironwood ( Bumelia lanuginosa ) and wafer ash ( Ptelea trifoliata ) |
| Range | East central Texas, also collected from the Chiricahua Mtns of AZ |
What is the life cycle of a Temnothorax obturator?
Mature colonies rarely contain more than 36-40 workers