Ant Identification

Acrobat Ant

Name: 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪

Size: ~2.6 to 3.2 mm

Characteristics: Body color ranges from light red to dark brown or black. Has a heart-like gaster, which raises above the thorax when agitated.

Locations: Found in damp or rotting wood of trees. Does not damage trees directly, but rather enters holes and cavities that have been hollowed out and left behind by other insects like moth larvae and bark beetles.

Argentine Ant

Name: 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘢 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦

Size: ~2.2 to 2.6 mm

Characteristics: Reddish brown body color with black at the tip of the gaster. Head is longer than it is wide.

Locations: Considered invasive and can thrive in diverse environments. Typically nests underground, forming extensive networks of interconnected colonies. Their nests can be found in soil, under debris, rocks, logs, and in cracks and crevices. Also known to nest in buildings, under sidewalks, and in other protected areas. Additionally, may establish nests in leaf litter, mulch, and other organic matter.

Carpenter Ant

Name: 𝘊𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘴

Size: ~5.5 to 11 mm

Characteristics: Largest ants found in Florida. Bi-colored. Elbowed antennae. Fore wings larger than hind wings.

Locations: Forested areas where it nests in dead or decaying wood, such as fallen trees, stumps, and logs. Frequently establishes nests in urban areas, especially in structures with moist wood components. This includes residential homes, commercial buildings, sheds, decks, fences, and wooden furniture.

Note: This ant bites. Winged females often mistaken for termites.

Fire Ant

Name: 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘢

Size: ~2.4 to 6 mm

Characteristics: Body color is usually red to brown with a black gaster. Sting is present at tip of the gaster.

Locations: Known for constructing characteristic dome-shaped mounds, usually made of soil. Mounds are often located in open areas such as lawns, fields, pastures, or along roadsides. In urban areas, fire ants may nest within structures such as buildings, homes, electrical boxes, or other man-made structures. Can enter buildings through cracks, crevices, or utility lines and establish nests inside walls, insulation, or other void spaces.

Ghost Ant

Name: 𝘛𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘮

Size: ~1.3 to 1.5 mm

Characteristics: Harder to see due to pale color. Spineless thorax with no stinger on the gaster.

Locations: Often found in greenhouses and other structures with favorable conditions. Establishes colonies indoors and outdoors, nesting in various locations such as wall voids, spaces between cabinets and baseboards, and even in potted plants.

Odorous House Ant

Name: 𝘛𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘦

Size: ~1 mm

Characteristics: Black head and thorax with clear abdomen and legs. Has a musty odor when squashed.

Locations: Forages indoors and outdoors. Often seen in kitchens and bathrooms due to its high need for moisture.

Pavement Ant

Name: 𝘛𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴

Size: ~2.75 to 3.20 mm