Pheidole morrisii

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Formicoidea
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Myrmicinae
Tribe: Attini
Genus: Pheidole
Species: morrisii

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pheidole morrisii: //ˌfaɪˈdoʊli ˈmɒrɪsi.aɪ//

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Summary

Pheidole morrisii is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, characterized by its size, color, and behavior. It occurs in sandy environments and has two recognized subspecies: Pheidole morrisii impexa and Pheidole morrisii morrisii.

Physical Characteristics

Minors 2.5-3 mm, majors 3-3.5 mm, queens 7-8 mm; orangey color, virtual lack of propodeal spines.

Identification Tips

Easily recognized by size and color.

Habitat

Sandy soils, especially in open pine/oak woodlands or sand prairies.

Distribution

Common in sandy Florida, extending up to central Illinois and Long Island, particularly in sandy locations along the Mississippi River.

Diet

Predacious, rapidly recruiting to spread and dismember arthropod prey.

Life Cycle

Mating flight occurs the morning after first warm rains in May (Florida) and June (NY, IL).

Reproduction

Mating flights coincide with specific weather patterns after rainy conditions.

Ecosystem Role

Important predator in sandy soils, helps regulate arthropod populations.