The Dark Rover Ant and Other Rover Ants

Dark rover ant worker, Brachymyrmex patagonicus.The dark rover ant, Brachymyrmex patagonicus, is a relatively new ant pest in the U.S. It is one of approximately 38 known species worldwide. There are about 10 species of rover ants in this country. The dark rover ant …

Little Black Ant

Common ant fauna observed at baits when sampling for fire ants.

The little black ant, Monomorium minimum (Buckley), is aptly named. Workers are small (1.5 – 2 mm), shiny, and dark brown to jet black in color. They have 12 segmented antennae with the last 3 segments forming a club. Queens …

Pharaoh Ants

The pharaoh ant, Monomorium pharaonis, is one of the smallest (2 mm-long) indoor ant pests. It is most easily distinguished from the equally tiny dark rover ant by its lighter yellow to orange color; however close examination will also …

Carpenter Ants

carpenter ant worker and damage to wood

Carpenter ants are members of the genus Camponotus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Formicinae). The name “carpenter ant” comes from the nesting habits of many species, which excavate wood to construct nests for the queen, workers, and brood. There are over 1,000 species …

European Fire Ants

M. rubra attacking a caterpillar

European fire ants (also known as European red ants, Myrmica rubra) are very small (3/16th of an inch long) red ants that are a pest for people and their pets, and a threat to the environment. These ants …

Argentine Ants

Argentine ants feeding on a food droplet
Argentine ants trailing on structure

The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr) — formerly named Iridomyrmex humilis – is one of the more troublesome ants in the United States. Argentine ants are mainly a nuisance to people because they are often found indoors, forming wide, noticeable …

Tawny (Rasberry) Crazy Ants


Tawny (Rasberry) Crazy Ant, Nylanderia fulva (Mayr)

drawing of a tawny crazy ant

Tawny crazy ants (Figures 1-2) are fast becoming an economic, ecological and nuisance pest in the southern United States.  This ant, also known as the Caribbean crazy ant, hairy crazy ant and Rasberry …

2018 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series

Please join us for this webinar series for information you can use about good and bad insects.  We used your feedback to bring topics that you suggested.  We will discuss troublesome insects such as invasive ants, landscape pests, and house

Odorous House Ants

close up of an odorous house antThe odorous house ant, Tapinoma sessile (Say), is considered a pest when it enters structures searching for food, water or nest sites. It cannot sting because it lacks a sting and will likely only bite if you stick a hand …

2019 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series

Please join us for this webinar series for information you can use about good and bad insects.  We used your feedback to bring topics that you suggested.  We will discuss troublesome insects such as fire ants and landscape pests as …