Nylanderia bourbonica

(Forel, 1886)

Robust Crazy Ant

Nylanderia bourbonica, commonly known as the Robust Crazy , is a widespread tramp ant native to tropical regions. It has been introduced to multiple continents including North America, where it is established in Florida and other subtropical areas. The species exhibits characteristic erratic, rapid movement patterns and forms large polygynous colonies. As a forager associated with human-modified environments, it can reach nuisance pest levels in urban settings.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nylanderia bourbonica: //nɪˈlændəriə bɔːrˈbuːnɪkə//

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Identification

of N. bourbonica are difficult to distinguish from other Nylanderia without careful morphological examination. Identification typically requires reference to established keys for introduced Nearctic Nylanderia. The species is part of a complex of morphologically similar tramp ants that includes N. fulva, N. flavipes, N. pubens, and N. steinheili, all introduced to the Nearctic region. Males may be required for definitive identification in some cases.

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Habitat

Urban and human-modified environments; associated with disturbed and tropical to subtropical climates. Strongly associated with human structures, transportation corridors, and developed landscapes.

Distribution

Native to tropical regions; introduced and established in the Nearctic region including Florida, the Caribbean, and Pacific islands. Global tramp present in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. GBIF records indicate presence in Cuba, with doubtful records for Belgium, France, and Great Britain.

Diet

forager; tends honeydew-producing insects.

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Colonies can become large with multiple queens (polygynous).

Behavior

Erratic, rapid movement characteristic of 'crazy ants'. Forms large colonies with multiple queens. Strong association with human structures and transportation networks facilitates spread.

Ecological Role

Nuisance pest in urban environments; may disrupt native through competitive displacement. As an tramp ant, it can reach high densities in disturbed .

Human Relevance

Nuisance pest in urban and suburban environments. Associated with human structures and capable of reaching pest-level . Specific economic impacts (e.g., electrical equipment damage documented in N. fulva) not confirmed for this in available sources.

Similar Taxa

  • Nylanderia fulvaBoth are 'crazy ants' with erratic movement; N. fulva (tawny crazy ) is specifically noted for formic acid production and electrical equipment damage, traits not confirmed for N. bourbonica
  • Nylanderia flavipesAnother introduced Nearctic Nylanderia with similar requiring careful identification
  • Nylanderia pubensIntroduced Nearctic part of the same morphologically similar complex of tramp ants
  • Nylanderia steinheiliIntroduced Nearctic with difficult to distinguish without proper identification keys

More Details

Taxonomic Note

Nylanderia bourbonica was previously classified under the Paratrechina, and this synonymy still appears in some databases (e.g., GBIF). Current places it in Nylanderia based on modern revisions.

Invasion History

Listed as one of at least five Nylanderia introduced to the Nearctic region, alongside N. flavipes, N. fulva, N. pubens, and N. steinheili.

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Sources and further reading