Temnothorax whitfordi
This record describes Temnothorax whitfordi (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Smooth and shiny dark brown Temnothorax with 11 segmented antennae, distinctive within the subgenus. Similar to T. emmae, differing in minor sculpture differences and color. More aggressive than typical Temnothorax
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
Arboreal nester
Geographic Range
Southwestern US, from TX to southern NV to CA, into adjacent Mexico.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Temnothorax whitfordi. 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 whitfordi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Temnothorax whitfordi
What is Temnothorax whitfordi?
Temnothorax whitfordi is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Temnothorax whitfordi?
Smooth and shiny dark brown Temnothorax with 11 segmented antennae, distinctive within the subgenus. Similar to T. emmae, differing in minor sculpture differences and color.
Where is Temnothorax whitfordi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Arboreal nester |
| Range | Southwestern US, from TX to southern NV to CA, into adjacent Mexico. |