Nylanderia bourbonica

(Forel, 1886)

Robust Crazy Ant

Nylanderia bourbonica, commonly known as the Crazy , is a widespread tramp ant to tropical regions. It has been 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.

Nylanderia bourbonica by (c) renjus box, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by renjus box. Used under a CC-BY license.

Nylanderia bourbonica by (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Nylanderia bourbonica by (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jared Shorma. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

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

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

Identification

of N. bourbonica are difficult to distinguish from other Nylanderia without careful morphological examination. Identification typically requires reference to established for Nearctic Nylanderia. The species is part of a complex of morphologically similar tramp 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.

Images

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

to tropical regions; 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 -producing .

Life Cycle

with , , , and stages. Colonies can become large with multiple (polygynous).

Behavior

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

Ecological Role

Nuisance pest in urban environments; may disrupt through . As an tramp ant, it can reach high 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 ' with erratic movement; N. fulva (tawny crazy ant) is specifically noted for formic acid production and electrical equipment damage, traits not confirmed for N. bourbonica
Nylanderia flavipesAnother Nearctic Nylanderia with similar requiring careful identification
Nylanderia pubens Nearctic part of the same morphologically similar complex of tramp
Nylanderia steinheili Nearctic with difficult to distinguish without proper identification

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 to the Nearctic region, alongside N. flavipes, N. fulva, N. pubens, and N. steinheili.