Little Fire Ants

picture of little fire antThe little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger) or LFA, is a very small invasive ant species originally from south America.  Over the past century or so, they have been spread by human commerce to Florida and Hawai`i, Israel, west Africa, …

Acrobat Ants

image of acrobat ant showing identifying characteristics

Acrobat ants (Crematogaster spp.) are native insects that become pests because of their tendency to nest in moist, decaying wood.  Many times this decaying wood is in a tree, where the ants can take over chambers of termites and

Ghost Ants


Distribution

        The ghost image of ghost ant, Tapinoma melanocephalumant, Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius), is a tropical species. This ant species is so widely distributed by commerce that it is impossible to determine its exact origin.  It is believed to be of African or Oriental origin. Colonies …

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 …