Ant
Guides
Formica gnava
Formica gnava is a species of ant in the genus Formica, family Formicidae. It serves as a host species for the obligatory slave-making ant Polyergus breviceps, with its workers being enslaved to rear Polyergus offspring in mixed-species nests. The species exhibits strong nestmate recognition, with workers preferentially adopting conspecific pupae and rejecting or consuming pupae of other host species. Free-living workers show lower adoption rates of parasite pupae compared to enslaved workers.
Formica incerta
Uncertain Field Ant
Formica incerta is a common ant species of eastern North America, often the most abundant Formica in its range. It constructs underground nests with inconspicuous entrance holes and no surface mound. Workers forage diurnally for nectar and honeydew, and the species serves as the primary host for the slave-making ant Polyergus lucidus. First described by Carlo Emery in 1893, its specific epithet reflects historical taxonomic uncertainty and identification challenges.
Formica knighti
Formica knighti is a species of ant in the genus Formica, first described by Buren in 1944. The species belongs to the diverse and ecologically significant genus Formica, which includes many species with complex social behaviors including social parasitism. Like other members of Formica, F. knighti is a social insect living in colonies with a division of labor among workers, queens, and males. Specific natural history details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Formica lasioides
Formica lasioides is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, described by Emery in 1893. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Formica, which includes many species exhibiting complex social behaviors including social parasitism. The species is known from limited verified records, primarily in North America. Like other Formica species, it is likely a ground-nesting ant, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented.
Formica manni
Mann's Field Ant
Formica manni is a species of field ant in the family Formicidae, described by Wheeler in 1913. It belongs to the diverse genus Formica, which includes many North American ant species. Very little specific information has been documented about this particular species beyond its taxonomic classification. The species name honors a person with the surname Mann, following the naming convention established by Wheeler.
Formica obtusopilosa
Blunt-haired Mound Ant
Formica obtusopilosa is a species of mound-building ant in the family Formicidae, described by Carlo Emery in 1893. It belongs to the large genus Formica, which includes many species known for constructing prominent soil mounds. The species epithet 'obtusopilosa' refers to blunt or obtuse hairs, a morphological characteristic used in its identification. Like other Formica species, it is a social insect living in colonies with a division of labor among workers, queens, and males.
Formica pallidefulva
field ant
Formica pallidefulva is a medium-sized field ant native to North America, ranging from reddish-gold in the southern United States to dark brown-black in Canada. Workers measure approximately 5–6 mm and are notably glossy compared to related species. The species excavates underground nests with horizontal and vertical galleries, typically without surface mounds. It serves as a primary host for multiple slave-making ants, including Polyergus lucidus and Formica pergandei, which raid its colonies for brood. Colonies are monogyne, diurnal, and forage solitarily while recruiting nestmates to larger food sources.
Formica podzolica
Podzol Ant
Formica podzolica is a species of mound-building ant in the subfamily Formicinae, described by Francoeur in 1973. The species is associated with podzolic soils and functions as an ecosystem engineer in subalpine and montane environments. Colonies modify soil moisture and nitrogen availability around their nests, creating distinct microhabitats that alter plant community composition and structure.
Formica propinqua
Formica propinqua is a species of ant in the genus Formica, first described by Creighton in 1940. It belongs to the large and diverse Formicinae subfamily, which includes many familiar ant species. The specific epithet 'propinqua' suggests close relationship to other taxa, though detailed natural history information for this species remains limited in available sources.
Formica querquetulana
Formica querquetulana is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, described by Kennedy and Dennis in 1937. It belongs to the genus Formica, one of the largest and most widespread ant genera in the Northern Hemisphere. Very little specific information about this species' biology, ecology, or distribution has been documented in the available literature.
Formica rubicunda
Ruddy Slave-making Ant
Formica rubicunda is a North American ant species in the genus Formica, described by Emery in 1893. It belongs to a genus containing numerous social parasite species, including both obligate and facultative slave-makers. The species is recorded from the northeastern United States, including Vermont. Like many Formica species, it may exhibit social parasitic behaviors, though specific documentation for this species is limited.
Formica subsericea
silky field ant, black field ant
Formica subsericea is a medium-sized ant species native to eastern North America, commonly known as the silky field ant or black field ant. Workers are noted for their exceptional speed and timid behavior. The species is frequently enslaved by Polyergus slave-making ants and has been observed serving as a host for inquiline fly larvae. Nuptial flights occur in mid to late summer.
Formicoxenus hirticornis
Dogwood Guest Ant
Formicoxenus hirticornis is a small myrmicine ant species in the genus Formicoxenus, commonly known as the Dogwood Guest Ant. Species in this genus are specialized social parasites that inhabit nests of larger host ant species, particularly those in the genus Myrmica. The specific epithet 'hirticornis' refers to hairy antennae. This species is rarely encountered and poorly documented in scientific literature.
Gnamptogenys hartmani
Gnamptogenys hartmani is a specialist agro-predator ant species that attacks colonies of fungus-growing ants. It is native to the Americas, with records spanning from the southern United States through Central America to South America. The species is considered remarkably scarce throughout its known range, with most records concentrated in Texas, Louisiana, and parts of South America. Its specialized predatory relationship with fungus-growing ants distinguishes it ecologically from many other ant species.
Lasius americanus
Woodland Fuzzy Ant
Lasius americanus, commonly known as the woodland fuzzy ant, is a small ant species in the subfamily Formicinae. Workers are characterized by dusty brown coloration with lighter semi-translucent legs and a distinctive lack of erect setae on the antennae. The species was historically confused with the Eurasian Lasius alienus and was only recognized as a distinct North American species in 2018. It inhabits temperate forests and woodlands, typically found under rotting wood or in trees.
Lasius arizonicus
Arizona Citronella Ant
Lasius arizonicus is a species of ant in the genus Lasius, described by William Morton Wheeler in 1917. It is native to the United States, with records from Arizona. The species belongs to a genus commonly known as citronella ants due to the lemony scent produced by defensive secretions. Like other Lasius species, it likely produces citronellal and formic acid as chemical defenses.
Lasius brevicornis
Short-horned Meadow Ant
Lasius brevicornis is a small ant species in the genus Lasius, commonly known as the Short-horned Meadow Ant. It is the North American counterpart to the European yellow meadow ant (Lasius flavus), with which it was formerly confused. The species inhabits meadow and grassland environments, where it constructs subterranean nests and tends root-feeding aphids for honeydew.
Lasius claviger
smaller yellow ant, common citronella ant, yellow ant, lemon ant, citronella ant
Lasius claviger, commonly known as the smaller yellow ant or citronella ant, is a North American ant species described by Roger in 1862. Formerly classified in the genus (now subgenus) Acanthomyops, it belongs to the genus Lasius. The species is notable for producing a distinctive lemony citronellal scent from glands near its jaws when disturbed, and for its habit of tending root-feeding aphids for honeydew. Winged reproductive forms swarm in late autumn and early winter, often causing concern when mistaken for termites.
Lasius crypticus
Cryptic Fuzzy Ant
Lasius crypticus is a species of ant in the genus Lasius, family Formicidae. Described by E. O. Wilson in 1955, this species is part of a diverse and ecologically significant genus of ants commonly known as citronella or fuzzy ants. The specific epithet 'crypticus' suggests cryptic or hidden characteristics, though detailed ecological information remains limited.
Lasius neoniger
turfgrass ant, Labour day ant, cornfield ant, nuisance ant
Lasius neoniger is a small ant species native to North America, most abundant in the eastern United States and Canada. It is notable for its polydomous colony structure with multiple nest entrances, strong worker fidelity to specific entrances, and seasonal territorial expansion correlated with foraging activity. The species is a known host for the parasitoid wasp Pseudometagea schwarzii and has been documented engaging in competitive confrontations with imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta).
Lasius niger
Black Garden Ant, Common Black Ant
Lasius niger, the black garden ant, is a formicine ant native to Europe and parts of Asia, and introduced to North America, South America, and Australasia. It is one of the most abundant and intensively studied Palaearctic ant species. The species was historically considered strictly monogynous, with single-queen colonies dispersed by independent colony founding. However, recent research has documented potential for polygynous-supercolonial demography under certain conditions, with massive nest complexes containing tens of thousands of interconnected mounds observed in Ukraine. Workers are known for their aphid-tending behavior and distinctive lemony citronellal scent released when alarmed.
Lasius speculiventris
Shiny-bellied Fuzzy Ant
Lasius speculiventris is a species of ant in the genus Lasius, commonly known as the Shiny-bellied Fuzzy Ant. It is found in the northern United States, where it inhabits forests, woodlands, and meadows. As a member of the subfamily Formicinae, it belongs to a diverse group of ants that includes many ecologically important species.
Lasius subumbratus
Less Shady Fuzzy Ant
Lasius subumbratus is a species of ant in the genus Lasius, family Formicidae, described by Viereck in 1903. It belongs to the subfamily Formicinae and tribe Lasiini. The species is known by the common name "Less Shady Fuzzy Ant" and has been documented in citizen science observations.
Leptothorax canadensis
Northern Thin Ant
Leptothorax canadensis is a small myrmicine ant native to eastern North America, where it is one of the most common ants in boreal coniferous forests. The species exhibits facultative polygyny, with colonies containing multiple fertile queens. It is also known as a slave-making ant, conducting organized raids on host colonies—particularly Leptothorax muscorum—to capture pupae that emerge as workers serving the slave-making colony. Genetic studies indicate a multicolonial population structure with moderate gene flow and no evidence of inbreeding.
Liometopum occidentale
velvety tree ant, Western Velvety Tree Ant
Liometopum occidentale, commonly known as the velvety tree ant, is a species of ant in the subfamily Dolichoderinae native to western North America. The species is frequently misidentified as carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) due to shared morphological traits including polymorphic workers, a smooth convex thoracic profile, and wood-excavating behavior. This misidentification has led to underreporting of its significance as a structural pest in California, Oregon, and Washington. Colonies are large and polydomous, with worker populations estimated between 40,000 and 60,000 individuals.
Manica hunteri
Manica hunteri is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, first described by Wheeler in 1914. It belongs to the genus Manica, a group of ants within the subfamily Myrmicinae. The species is recognized in major taxonomic databases including Catalogue of Life, GBIF, and NCBI Taxonomy. Beyond basic taxonomic classification, detailed biological information about this species remains limited in available sources.
Manica invidia
Manica invidia is a species of ant in the genus Manica, family Formicidae. The species was described by Bolton in 1995. It belongs to the subfamily Myrmicinae, a diverse group of ants that includes many seed-harvesting and fungus-growing species. Manica ants are found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Monomorium trageri
Monomorium trageri is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, described by DuBois in 1986. It is classified within the genus Monomorium, a diverse group of small ants commonly known as thief ants. The specific epithet honors James C. Trager, an American myrmecologist.
Myrmecina americana
American Mite-eating Ant
Myrmecina americana is a small ant species in the family Formicidae, described by Emery in 1895. The common name 'American Mite-eating Ant' reflects a presumed dietary specialization, though direct observational support for this feeding habit is limited. The species belongs to the genus Myrmecina, a group of ants distributed across multiple continents with centers of diversity in Asia and the Americas. As with many Myrmecina species, detailed natural history information remains sparse.
Myrmica detritinodis
Eroded Ant
Myrmica detritinodis is a species of ant in the genus Myrmica, described by Emery in 1921. It belongs to the diverse and ecologically significant genus Myrmica, which includes numerous species known for their associations with various insects, including lycaenid butterflies and sawflies. The species is recognized under the common name "Eroded Ant." As with many Myrmica species, it likely participates in trophobiotic relationships, though specific ecological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Myrmica fracticornis
Broken-horned Ant
Myrmica fracticornis is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, first described by Auguste Forel in 1901. It belongs to the genus Myrmica, a diverse group of ants commonly known as 'stinging ants' or 'red ants.' The species is distinguished by its 'broken-horned' antennae, a trait reflected in its specific epithet. Like other Myrmica species, it is a small to medium-sized ant with a two-segmented petiole. The species has been documented through limited observations, with 14 records on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Myrmica incompleta
Incomplete Furrowed Ant
Myrmica incompleta is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, described by Provancher in 1881. It serves as a known host for the parasitic ant Formicoxenus provancheri, representing a documented host-parasite relationship within ant communities. The species belongs to the diverse genus Myrmica, which includes ants known for associations with various myrmecophilous organisms.
Myrmica latifrons
Wide-faced Ant
Myrmica latifrons is a species of ant in the genus Myrmica, first described by Stärcke in 1927. The species is known by the common name "Wide-faced Ant," reflecting a distinguishing morphological feature. As a member of the Myrmicinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of ants that includes many species with specialized ecological relationships. The genus Myrmica is well-known for its associations with various myrmecophilous organisms, including butterflies in the genus Maculinea.
Myrmica lobifrons
Lobe-fronted Ant
Myrmica lobifrons is a species of ant in the genus Myrmica, first described by Pergande in 1900. It is commonly known as the lobe-fronted ant. The species belongs to the subfamily Myrmicinae, a diverse group of ants that includes many species with specialized ecological relationships. Like other Myrmica species, M. lobifrons may participate in mutualistic or parasitic associations with other organisms, though specific documented interactions for this species are limited in the provided sources.
Myrmica punctiventris
Myrmica punctiventris is a species of ant in the genus Myrmica, family Formicidae. It has been studied in the context of micronutrient distribution among social insect castes. The species is part of the ecologically significant Myrmica genus, which includes ants known for associations with various invertebrates including butterfly larvae.
Myrmica rugiventris
Myrmica rugiventris is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, first described by Smith in 1943. It belongs to the genus Myrmica, a widespread and ecologically significant group of ants known for their associations with various myrmecophilous organisms. The species is documented in taxonomic databases but appears to have limited published biological data available.
Neoponera villosa
hairy panther ant, greater Texas bullet ant, giant hunting ant
Neoponera villosa is a large predatory ant in the subfamily Ponerinae, commonly known as the hairy panther ant or greater Texas bullet ant. It inhabits Neotropical regions where it nests in both arboreal and ground-dwelling situations. The species possesses a complex venom containing over 500 peptides with documented antimicrobial, cytolytic, and insecticidal properties. Venom composition exhibits substantial plasticity, varying significantly with season and nesting habitat.
Nesomyrmex wilda
Nesomyrmex wilda is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, originally described by Smith in 1943. The species belongs to the genus Nesomyrmex, a group of myrmicine ants distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. The specific epithet 'wilda' honors Alex Wild, a noted insect photographer and entomologist. The species has been documented through limited observations, with 19 records on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Novomessor albisetosus
desert harvester ant
Novomessor albisetosus, commonly known as the desert harvester ant, is a medium-sized ant species native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. First described by Gustav Mayr in 1886 as Aphaenogaster albisetosa, it was transferred to the revived genus Novomessor in 2015 following phylogenetic evidence of its distinctness from Aphaenogaster. Workers measure 6–8.5 mm and display ferruginous body coloration with distinctive morphological features including a shorter head and subparallel eyes compared to congeners. The species exhibits age-related task allocation among workers and cooperative foraging behavior, with colonies nesting underground or beneath stones in arid and semi-arid habitats.
Nylanderia austroccidua
Nylanderia austroccidua is a species of ant in the subfamily Formicinae, originally described from a widespread distribution ranging from Utah to Costa Rica. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using Ultraconserved Elements (UCEs) revealed that specimens matching the original description are paraphyletic with respect to Nearctic Nylanderia species, indicating the original concept encompassed multiple cryptic lineages. The species belongs to American Clade I (AC1), a group that includes a Neotropical subclade extending into Mesoamerica. An updated taxonomic description was published in 2024 as part of a revision that described eight new Nylanderia species from the region.
Nylanderia faisonensis
Woodland Crazy Ant
Nylanderia faisonensis is a species of ant in the subfamily Formicinae, commonly known as the Woodland Crazy Ant. It is a member of the genus Nylanderia, which includes several species known for erratic, rapid movement patterns. The species was described by Auguste Forel in 1922. While less studied than its congener the tawny crazy ant (Nylanderia fulva), it shares the characteristic rapid, unpredictable foraging behavior that gives these ants their common name.
Nylanderia hystrix
Nylanderia hystrix is a species of ant in the subfamily Formicinae, described by Trager in 1984. The specific epithet 'hystrix' (Latin for 'porcupine') likely refers to some aspect of the species' morphology, possibly pilosity or spine-like structures. As a member of the genus Nylanderia, it belongs to a group commonly known as crazy ants due to their erratic, rapid movements. The genus Nylanderia contains numerous species distributed globally, with several being notable invasive pests.
Nylanderia phantasma
Ghostly Crazy Ant
Nylanderia phantasma is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, commonly known as the Ghostly Crazy Ant. It belongs to the genus Nylanderia, a group often referred to as crazy ants due to their erratic, rapid movement patterns. The species was described by Trager in 1984. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a generalist forager, though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Nylanderia terricola
Nylanderia terricola is a Nearctic ant species in the subfamily Formicinae, originally described by Buckley in 1866. Workers of this species are morphologically difficult to distinguish from N. vividula, and accurate identification typically requires examination of male specimens. The species belongs to a genus that includes both native and introduced species in the Nearctic region.
Ochetellus glaber
black household ant, black house ant, tramp ant, Copper-bellied Ant
Ochetellus glaber is a small ant species native to Australia, widely introduced globally through human commerce. Workers measure 2–3 mm, with queens reaching 5.2–5.5 mm. The species is recognized as a species complex with cryptic diversity, complicating identification and management decisions. It nests arboreally and in structures, forming conspicuous trails to exploit honeydew and food resources. Considered a household pest, it has established populations in Hawaii, Florida, New Zealand, and multiple Asian and Pacific regions.
Odontomachus desertorum
Desert Trap-jaw Ant
Odontomachus desertorum is a species of trap-jaw ant in the subfamily Ponerinae, first described by Wheeler in 1915. Like other members of the genus, it possesses powerful, spring-loaded mandibles capable of rapid closure to capture prey or propel the ant through the air. The specific epithet 'desertorum' suggests an association with arid environments. As with most Odontomachus species, detailed natural history information for this taxon remains limited in published literature.
Pachycondyla harpax
rapacious panther ant
Pachycondyla harpax is a widespread New World ponerine ant known from South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and the southern United States. It is a conspicuous ground-nesting species that forages singly rather than in trails. The species has been documented from over 1,500 collection sites and shows a broad latitudinal range from approximately 32°N in Texas to 32°S in southern Brazil.
Pheidole bicarinata
Variable Big-headed Ant, Common Big-headed Ant
Pheidole bicarinata, commonly known as the Variable Big-headed Ant, is a North American ant species characterized by its polymorphic worker caste system with distinct minor and major workers. The species exhibits a broad distribution across the central and eastern United States, ranging from Nebraska and Colorado eastward to New Jersey and Florida. Colonies are moderately sized, typically reaching up to approximately 4,000 workers. The species is notable for its dietary flexibility, incorporating insects, seeds, and nectar into its foraging repertoire.
Pheidole cerebrosior
Pheidole cerebrosior is a species of higher myrmicine ant in the family Formicidae, described by Wheeler in 1915. It belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Pheidole, which is characterized by worker polymorphism with distinct major and minor castes. The species is part of the Attini tribe, which includes the well-known fungus-growing ants, though Pheidole species are not fungus-growers themselves. Information regarding its biology, ecology, and distribution remains limited in the available literature.
Pheidole clementensis
San Clemente Island Big-headed Ant
Pheidole clementensis is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, described by Gregg in 1969. It is endemic to San Clemente Island, California, and is recognized as a distinct species within the highly diverse genus Pheidole, which contains over 1,000 species globally. Like other Pheidole species, it exhibits worker polymorphism with distinct soldier and minor worker castes.