Crazy Ants

Nylanderia

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nylanderia: //ˌnaɪ.lænˈdɪˌriə//

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

Images

Nylanderia pearsei by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Nylanderia pearsei by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Nylanderia pearsei by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Nylanderia pearsei by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Nylanderia pearsei by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Paratrechina vividula casent0058913 profile 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Nylanderia is a diverse genus of small to medium-sized ants important in ecosystems. They are characterized by their unique mandibles and body morphology, with many species showing invasive tendencies in various regions.

Physical Characteristics

Small formicine ants ranging from pale yellow to black. Workers and males measure 2-2.6 mm, while queens range from 2.75-4.5 mm. Workers possess mandibles with six teeth and erect macrosetae on scapes and legs, as well as paired erect macrosetae on the pronotum and mesonotum.

Identification Tips

Easily distinguished from other formicines by the presence of six mandibular teeth and distinct macrosetae on the body, especially on the scapes, legs, pronotum and mesonotum.

Habitat

Eastern deciduous forest, central grasslands, and southwest desert riparian areas; nests found in leaf litter, hollow nuts, rotting wood, soil, or sand.

Distribution

Nearly cosmopolitan distribution; absent from high-latitude areas and notably missing from Europe. Found in diverse habitats, mostly abundant in forested regions.

Diet

Generalist foragers, scavenging honeydew from leaf surfaces and detritus, as well as being attracted to both protein and sweet baits.

Life Cycle

Typically active throughout the growing season with most species producing reproductives in summer that overwinter in the nest and emerge early the following spring.

Reproduction

Colony founding tends to be independent in most species, some are known to have polygyny. Mating flights usually occur in late April to May.

Ecosystem Role

Important for ecological functioning, as they can be among the most abundant species in their habitats.

Economic Impact

Certain species are invasive and can establish in human habitats, leading to ecological imbalances.

Evolution

Initially described as a subgenus of Prenolepis, Nylanderia was elevated to genus status and includes over 110 extant species along with two fossil species. Molecular studies have clarified its phylogenetic relationships.

Similar Taxa

Tags

  • invasive species
  • ant ecology
  • Nylanderia
  • crazy ants
  • Biodiversity