Longhorn Crazy Ant

Paratrechina longicornis

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Formicoidea
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Formicinae
Tribe: Lasiini
Genus: Paratrechina
Species: longicornis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Paratrechina longicornis: /ˌpærəˈtriːkɪnə ˌlɒŋɪˈkɔrnɪs/

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

Images

Paratrechina longicornis casent0101487 head 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Paratrechina longicornis casent0104236 head 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Paratrechina longicornis casent0173232 head 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Paratrechina longicornis, known as the longhorn crazy ant or black crazy ant, is one of the most widespread ant species, characterized by erratic movements, broad distribution, and ability to occupy disturbed habitats.

Physical Characteristics

Worker longhorn crazy ant is about 2.3 to 3.0 mm (0.09 to 0.12 in) long with a brownish-black head, thorax, petiole, and gaster, often with a faint blue iridescence. It has a few short, whitish bristles, and the antennae and limbs are pale brown. The first segment of each antenna is more than twice as long as the distance between its base and the back edge of the head.

Identification Tips

Distinguishing this ant from other members of its genus is easy because its antennae and legs are so long. The eyes are elliptical and set far back on the head. The workers move around jerkily in apparently random directions.

Habitat

Colonies can be found in a wide range of sites, including inside hollow trees, under loose bark, in rotten wood, under logs or stones, among rubbish, and inside buildings. They thrive in urban sites such as convenience stores, gas stations, and schools.

Distribution

Common in the southern tier of US states (CA, TX, FL), and records as far north as southeastern Canada. Native to the Old World tropics, likely originated from Southeast Asia or Melanesia.

Diet

Omnivorous. Feeds on seeds, dead invertebrates, honeydew, plant secretions, fruit, and a wide range of household scraps. Large food items may be moved by several ants working together.

Life Cycle

Adult males and females may appear year-round in tropical regions, but in Florida, they emerge between May and September. Nuptial flights do not occur. The species undergoes three larval moults, with distinct morphology between male and worker larvae.

Reproduction

Mating occurs without the typical negative effects of inbreeding; the queen produces workers through sexual means, and her daughter queens are her genetic clones. This process is known as double cloning.

Ecosystem Role

Able to invade new habitats and outcompete other ant species, significant in affecting local ant biodiversity.

Economic Impact

Considered a pest, both agricultural and domestic, in many tropical and subtropical regions; also an indoor pest in temperate areas.

Evolution

The species is believed to have originated in the tropics of Africa and has spread globally due to human activities.

Misconceptions

Unlike many ant species, the longhorn crazy ant cannot sting, but can spray formic acid when threatened.