Odorous House Ant

Tapinoma sessile

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tapinoma sessile: /ˌtæpɪˈnoʊmə ˈsɛsaɪl/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Tapinoma sessile casent0104534 dorsal 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Tapinoma sessile casent0104535 head 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Tapinoma sessile casent0005329 profile 1 by wikipedia. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Tapinoma sessile casent0104849 dorsal 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Tapinoma sessile casent0104850 profile 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Tapinoma sessile casent0172856 dorsal 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

The odorous house ant, Tapinoma sessile, is a small, polydomous and polygynous ant species known for its unique odor and adaptability to various habitats, particularly alongside human dwellings. It strategically forages primarily for sugary foods and exhibits complex social behaviors.

Physical Characteristics

Small ant, ranging in color from brown to black, 1⁄16 to 1⁄8 inches (1.5–3.2 mm) in length. Antennae 12-segmented. Mandibles with 10+ teeth. Low, nodeless petiole, gaster sits directly on top.

Identification Tips

Distinguished by the small petiole that is often not readily visible and the unique odor released when crushed, resembling rotting coconut or blue cheese.

Habitat

Found in a variety of habitats, including human dwellings, often in moist areas.

Distribution

Native to North America, ranging from southern Canada to northern Mexico, common in human habitats throughout the USA and southern Canada.

Diet

Primarily forage for honeydew produced by aphids and scale insects, as well as floral nectar and other sugary foods.

Life Cycle

Queens lay eggs that incubate for 11–26 days; larvae live for 13–29 days; pre-pupal and pupal stages last 10–24 days. Queens live at least 8 months, workers a few months, and males about 1 week.

Reproduction

Polygynous colonies with multiple reproducing queens, eggs laid by queens.

Predators

Some birds and toads, with documented parasitism by Bothriomyrmex dimmocki and Isobrachium myrmecophilum.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in controlling aphid populations through protection and harvesting of honeydew.

Economic Impact

Common household pest, often invades kitchens and requires pest control measures.

Collecting Methods

  • Aerial netting in active foraging areas
  • Visual search in and around known infestations

Preservation Methods

  • Alcohol preservation for specimens
  • Dry preservation techniques

Evolution

Genetic studies suggest possible cryptic species complexity within the Tapinoma sessile group.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often misidentified as other ant species due to their small size and coloration.

Tags

  • odorous house ant
  • Tapinoma sessile
  • ant behavior
  • invasive species
  • pest control