Formicidae
Guides
Amblyoponinae
Dracula ants, Vampire ants
Amblyoponinae is an ancient, relictual subfamily of ants characterized by specialized subterranean predatory habits and unique 'Dracula ant' behavior, in which adult workers pierce the integument of their own larvae to imbibe haemolymph. The subfamily contains 13 extant genera and originated in the mid-Cretaceous approximately 107 million years ago. Crown group diversification occurred in the Late Paleocene/Early Eocene. The subfamily exhibits remarkable morphological and behavioral diversity, including convergent evolution of army ant-like behaviors in some lineages and highly plastic caste systems in others.
Anochetus mayri
Mayr's Lesser Trap-jaw Ant
Anochetus mayri is a species of trap-jaw ant in the subfamily Ponerinae, distributed across much of northern and central South America. Like other members of the genus Anochetus, it possesses enlarged mandibles capable of rapid closure to capture prey. The species was described by Carlo Emery in 1884 and remains relatively understudied compared to its congener Anochetus simoni. Records indicate presence in Brazil, Colombia, and other Neotropical regions, primarily in forested habitats.
Aphaenogaster carolinensis
Carolina Collared Ant
Aphaenogaster carolinensis is a medium-sized ant species in the family Formicidae, first described by Wheeler in 1915. The species is notable for its documented substrate vibration generating behavior, in which workers strike and drag their mandibles against surfaces to produce vibrations. This behavior occurs most frequently during confrontations with non-nestmate conspecifics and does not require the presence of food or territory to be initiated.
Aphaenogaster huachucana
Aphaenogaster huachucana is a rarely collected ant species described from the Huachuca Mountains of Arizona. The sexual forms (males and females) were described for the first time in 1951. Two subspecies are recognized: A. h. huachucana and A. h. crinimera. The species belongs to the spine-waisted ant genus Aphaenogaster, which includes frequent hosts for myrmecophilous beetles in the southwestern United States.
Aphaenogaster occidentalis
Western Collared Ant
Aphaenogaster occidentalis is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, commonly known as the Western Collared Ant. It is a generalist omnivore found in western North America. The species is known to be maintained in live colonies for research and educational display purposes, including at the Bohart Museum of Entomology at UC Davis.
Aphaenogaster patruelis
Aphaenogaster patruelis is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, first described by Auguste Forel in 1886. The species comprises two recognized subspecies: A. p. patruelis and A. p. carbonaria. It is known to play significant ecological roles in temperate forest ecosystems, particularly in soil aeration and seed dispersal. The species has been observed contributing to nutrient cycling by transporting seeds and organic material underground.
Aphaenogaster picea
Pitch-black Collared Ant
Aphaenogaster picea is a species of ant in the family Formicidae. It is known for its gut microbiome composition, which has been studied in relation to worker task behaviors and refuse pile interactions. The species is found at higher elevations in the eastern United States, particularly in Virginia, where it has been documented at 900–1000 meters above sea level. Workers exhibit task specialization without morphological subcastes, including nurse, forager, and refuse pile interaction roles.
Aphaenogaster rudis
Winnow Ant
Aphaenogaster rudis is a common woodland ant in eastern North American hardwood forests, known for its distinctive seed dispersal behavior and frequent colony relocations. Colonies are moderate in size and nest in soil under stones or logs. The species exhibits tool use through debris dropping during foraging, a specialized task performed by subsets of workers. A. rudis is an ecologically dominant forest ant with generalized seasonal activity and no strong food preferences, allowing it to maintain broad temporal and spatial niches in sympatry with other ant species.
Aphaenogaster tennesseensis
Tennessee Collared Ant, Tennessee Spine-waisted Ant
Aphaenogaster tennesseensis is a medium-sized ant species in the family Formicidae, commonly known as the Tennessee Collared Ant or Tennessee Spine-waisted Ant. It belongs to the genus Aphaenogaster, a diverse group of ants found primarily in temperate and subtropical regions. The species has been documented in the eastern United States, with records from Vermont and other states. Workers have been observed foraging on fungi and scavenging dead or injured insects.
Aphaenogaster texana
Texas Collared Ant
Aphaenogaster texana is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, commonly known as the Texas Collared Ant. It belongs to the genus Aphaenogaster, a diverse group of ants often referred to as spine-waisted ants due to their distinctive petiole structure. The species was described by Wheeler in 1906 and includes two recognized subspecies: A. t. texana and A. t. carolinensis.
Aphaenogaster treatae
Treat's Collared Ant
Aphaenogaster treatae, commonly known as Treat's Collared Ant, is a species of ant in the genus Aphaenogaster. Described by Forel in 1886, this species belongs to the tribe Stenammini within the subfamily Myrmicinae. The species has been documented through 188 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is a recognized though not extensively studied member of the eastern temperate forest ant fauna. As with many Aphaenogaster species, it is likely a ground-nesting ant, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Aphaenogaster umphreyi
Aphaenogaster umphreyi is a rarely collected ant species in the genus Aphaenogaster, described in 1998 from Florida. The species belongs to a genus predominantly consisting of ground-nesting species in eastern temperate forests. Like its congener A. mariae, it may exhibit arboreal nesting habits, though this has not been confirmed. The species remains poorly known due to limited collection records.
Brachymyrmex brevicornis
Brachymyrmex brevicornis is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, originally described by Emery in 1906. The species is currently recognized as accepted in major taxonomic databases, though some sources list it as a synonym of Brachymyrmex cordemoyi. It belongs to the subfamily Formicinae and tribe Myrmelachistini. The genus Brachymyrmex consists of small, inconspicuous ants commonly known as "rover ants" that are frequently associated with human-modified environments.
Brachymyrmex depilis
Hairless Rover Ant
Brachymyrmex depilis is a North American species of rover ant in the subfamily Formicinae. The species was described by Emery in 1893. A 2019 study synonymized B. nanellus and rejected the subspecies B. depilis flavescens due to lack of significant morphological differences. The common name "Hairless Rover Ant" reflects its relatively glabrous appearance compared to congeners.
Brachymyrmex minutus
Hairy Yellow Rover Ant
A small ant species in the genus Brachymyrmex, native to South America with introduced populations in the United States. The species is commonly known as the Hairy Yellow Rover Ant and has been documented in Brazil and the conterminous 48 United States.
Brachymyrmex obscurior
Seaside Rover Ant
Brachymyrmex obscurior is a small ant species in the family Formicidae, commonly known as the Seaside Rover Ant. It is recognized as a globally distributed invasive tramp ant species, particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical urban environments. The species has been documented in the conterminous United States, Hawaii, and Brazil, among other regions. It is frequently associated with human-modified habitats and is considered part of the community of invasive ant species that dominate urban landscapes in areas such as Florida.
Camponotus caryae (Fitch, 1855)
Walnut Carpenter Ant
Camponotus caryae is a species of carpenter ant in the genus Camponotus, commonly known as the Walnut Carpenter Ant. It is native to eastern North America, with records from the eastern United States and eastern Canada, and has also been reported from Mexico (Nuevo León and Chihuahua). There are unconfirmed reports of its presence in parts of the western United States, Spain, Italy, and Bulgaria. Like other carpenter ants, it nests in wood and is associated with hickory and walnut trees.
Camponotus chromaiodes
ferruginous carpenter ant, red carpenter ant
Camponotus chromaiodes, commonly known as the ferruginous or red carpenter ant, is a species of carpenter ant native to the eastern United States with records extending to Nebraska, Kansas, and possibly California. Workers of this species have been observed removing honeydew droplets from spotted lanternfly nymphs, suggesting potential for developing mutualistic relationships with honeydew-producing insects. Like other carpenter ants, it excavates galleries in wood for colony housing rather than consuming wood for nutrition.
Camponotus conspicuus inaequalis
Camponotus conspicuus inaequalis is a subspecies of carpenter ant in the genus Camponotus, family Formicidae. It is recorded from the Galápagos Islands. As a member of the subgenus Myrmepomis, it likely shares traits with related taxa including arboreal nesting habits and distinctive pubescence, though specific documentation for this subspecies is limited.
Camponotus essigi
Essig's Carpenter Ant
Camponotus essigi is a carpenter ant species native to the western United States and possibly Coahuila, Mexico. It belongs to the large genus Camponotus, which comprises over 1,000 species worldwide. A mislabeled specimen reportedly from Trinidad and Tobago was determined to be a location error by R. R. Snelling in 2000, confirming the species' restricted western North American distribution. Like other carpenter ants, it nests in wood and exhibits the polymorphic worker caste system typical of the genus.
Camponotus fragilis
Camponotus fragilis is a carpenter ant species endemic to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. First described by Theodore Pergande in 1893, it was synonymized and later revived by Roy Snelling in 2006. The species has been studied for its gut bacterial communities, which show compartmentalization across different gut sections and variation between laboratory-raised and field-collected colonies.
Camponotus laevissimus
giant carpenter ant, Hairy Smooth Carpenter Ant
Camponotus laevissimus is a large carpenter ant native to western North America, ranging from western Canada through the United States to Mexico. Workers are among the largest in the genus, measuring 7–13 mm. The species is notable for its distinctive shiny black coloration with a blue iridescent tint and dense covering of short white hairs. It is primarily diurnal and specializes in nesting within redwood trees (Sequoia sempervirens), hollowing out cavities rather than consuming the wood. A documented predator of western spruce budworm pupae, this species plays a role in forest pest dynamics. Formerly known as C. laevigatus, it was reclassified by Mackay in 2019.
carpenter-antredwood-specialistdiurnalforest-pest-predatorwestern-North-AmericaCamponotusFormicidaeHymenopterablue-iridescencewhite-pubescencewestern-spruce-budworm-predatorSequoia-sempervirens-associatemoist-wood-nestinglarge-ant-speciespolymorphic-workersclaustral-colony-foundationhoneydew-tendingstructural-pestMackay-2019formerly-C.-laevigatusCamponotus microps
Camponotus microps is a species of carpenter ant described by Roy Snelling in 2006. It was separated from the Camponotus festinatus species complex based on distinct morphological characteristics. The species is native to the southwestern United States and north-central Mexico.
Camponotus mina
Camponotus mina is a species of carpenter ant in the genus Camponotus, native to southwestern North America and northern Mexico. It belongs to the diverse carpenter ant genus, which includes species known for nesting in wood and exhibiting polymorphic worker castes. The species was described by Auguste Forel in 1879.
Camponotus novaeboracensis
New York carpenter ant
Camponotus novaeboracensis, commonly known as the New York carpenter ant, is a species of large carpenter ant native to North America. It excavates galleries in dead or decaying wood to house colonies, but does not consume wood as a food source. The species is primarily nocturnal and plays a significant role in forest decomposition. Workers vary in size, with major workers reaching approximately 13–17 mm in length. The species is sometimes confused with other large black ants but can be distinguished by morphological features of the thorax and petiole.
Camponotus novogranadensis
Black Compact Carpenter Ant
Camponotus novogranadensis is a species of carpenter ant in the subgenus Myrmobrachys, known from South America. It is one of over 1,000 species in the genus Camponotus. The species has been documented in Colombia and across much of Brazil, with records from diverse habitats including tropical forests and disturbed areas. As a member of the compact carpenter ant group, it shares morphological traits with related species such as the invasive Camponotus planatus.
Camponotus ocreatus
Carpenter ant
Camponotus ocreatus is a species of carpenter ant in the genus Camponotus, first described by Emery in 1893. It is native to arid and semi-arid regions of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Like other members of the genus, it nests in wood and maintains colonies with polymorphic worker castes.
Camponotus pennsylvanicus
Eastern Black Carpenter Ant, Black Carpenter Ant
Camponotus pennsylvanicus, the Eastern Black Carpenter Ant, is a large, robust ant species native to eastern North America. Workers measure 3/8 to 1/2 inch in length and are uniformly dark brown to black. Unlike termites, this species excavates wood rather than consuming it, creating galleries in decaying stumps, fallen logs, and hollow trees for colony housing. The species is facultatively polydomous, with colonies sometimes occupying multiple nest sites connected by trails. C. pennsylvanicus is notable for its swimming ability, using forelegs to paddle and mid legs to row when encountering water hazards. The species employs chemical trail-laying for foraging recruitment and practices trophallaxis as a mechanism of social immunity, distributing antimicrobial substances among colony members. While primarily a forest species, it frequently becomes a household pest when satellite colonies establish in moisture-damaged structural wood.
Camponotus sansabeanus
Camponotus sansabeanus is a species of carpenter ant native to western North America and parts of the southern United States. It belongs to the large genus Camponotus, which comprises over 1,000 species worldwide. Like other carpenter ants, it excavates wood to create nest galleries rather than consuming wood as food. The species is found in diverse habitats ranging from arid western regions to more humid southeastern localities.
Camponotus sayi
Say's Carpenter Ant
Camponotus sayi is a species of carpenter ant in the family Formicidae. As a member of the large genus Camponotus, it shares the characteristic wood-excavating nesting behavior typical of carpenter ants. The species was described by Emery in 1893 and is known from observations primarily in North America. Like other Camponotus species, it likely establishes colonies in dead wood and may occasionally occur in human structures when suitable moisture conditions exist.
Camponotus snellingi
Snelling's Carpenter Ant
Camponotus snellingi is a species of carpenter ant named in honor of the myrmecologist Roy R. Snelling. As a member of the genus Camponotus, it shares the characteristic wood-nesting behavior typical of carpenter ants, excavating galleries in dead or decaying wood rather than consuming it. The species was described by Barry Bolton in 1995. Like other Camponotus species, it exhibits polymorphic worker castes with distinct size classes.
Camponotus subbarbatus
Bearded Carpenter Ant
Camponotus subbarbatus, commonly known as the bearded carpenter ant, is a species of carpenter ant native to eastern North America. It belongs to the large genus Camponotus, which comprises over 1,000 species worldwide. As a carpenter ant, it excavates wood to create nest galleries rather than consuming wood for nutrition. The species is distinguished by morphological features related to its 'bearded' appearance, though specific details of this trait are not well documented in the provided sources.
Cardiocondyla emeryi obscurior
Cardiocondyla emeryi obscurior is a subspecies of ant in the genus Cardiocondyla, a group known for morphological and behavioral diversity particularly among male ants. The genus Cardiocondyla contains small, often inconspicuous ants with wide geographic distributions. This subspecies designation indicates taxonomic differentiation within the widespread C. emeryi species complex.
Cardiocondyla venustula
Larger Black Sneaking Ant
Cardiocondyla venustula is a small myrmicine ant native to Africa, with introduced populations in the Caribbean and North America. The species belongs to the C. shuckardi group and exhibits an intermediate reproductive strategy among congeners, with wingless males that attack freshly eclosing rivals but rarely engage in lethal combat with established competitors. Instead, males establish and defend small territories within their natal nests. The species shows considerable genetic diversity across its native range, with multiple mtDNA lineages detected in South Africa, Angola, and Côte d'Ivoire that are morphologically and nuclearly similar, indicating a complex taxonomic history.
Cerapachyini
Cerapachyini is a tribe of ants within the subfamily Dorylinae, historically classified under Ponerinae. Members of this tribe are specialized predators known for raiding behavior. Some genera, such as Sphinctomyrmex, exhibit functional polygyny with multiple egg-laying queens coexisting without conflict, and display brood periodicity with synchronized brood development cycles. The tribe has undergone taxonomic revision, with current classification placing it within Dorylinae rather than Ponerinae.
Colobopsis etiolata
Pale Gate-keeper Ant
Colobopsis etiolata is a species of ant in the genus Colobopsis, originally described by Wheeler in 1904. It belongs to a genus characterized by specialized defensive castes, including 'doorkeeper' majors with enlarged, plug-shaped heads used to block nest entrances. The species is part of the Colobopsis cylindrica group, which includes the well-known 'exploding ants' that exhibit autothysis (self-sacrificial body rupture) as a defensive mechanism. As a member of this group, C. etiolata likely shares the arboreal, canopy-dwelling habits typical of these Southeast Asian forest ants.
Colobopsis impressa
Common Gate-keeper Ant
Colobopsis impressa is a species of arboreal ant in the subfamily Formicinae, commonly known as the Common Gate-keeper Ant. The species belongs to a genus noted for specialized defensive morphologies, including major workers with plug-shaped heads used to block nest entrances. While detailed species-level studies are limited, the species has been documented across Southeast Asian forests. Its biology appears consistent with the broader Colobopsis cylindrica species group, though specific behavioral observations for C. impressa remain sparse.
Colobopsis mississippiensis
Mississippi Gate-keeper Ant
Colobopsis mississippiensis is a species of ant in the genus Colobopsis, first described by Smith in 1923. It belongs to a group of ants commonly known as "gate-keeper ants" or "doorkeeper ants," characterized by specialized major workers with enlarged, plug-shaped heads used to block nest entrances. The species is native to North America, with records from the Mississippi region implied by its specific epithet. Like other members of the Colobopsis cylindrica group, it exhibits caste polymorphism with distinct worker morphologies adapted for different colony functions.
Colobopsis obliqua
Oblique Gate-keeper Ant
Colobopsis obliqua is a species of ant in the subfamily Formicinae, first described by Smith in 1930. It belongs to a genus known for specialized defensive behaviors, including the 'exploding ant' phenomenon where minor workers rupture their bodies to release toxic secretions. The species is commonly referred to as the 'Oblique Gate-keeper Ant' due to the characteristic head shape of major workers used to block nest entrances.
Colobopsis papago
Colobopsis papago is a species of ant in the genus Colobopsis, family Formicidae. The species was first described by William S. Creighton in 1953. Like other members of the genus, it exhibits the characteristic morphological traits associated with the Colobopsis group, including specialized major workers with modified heads. The species is part of a genus known for diverse defensive strategies, though specific behavioral documentation for C. papago remains limited.
Colobopsis riehlii
Mangrove Gate-keeper Ant
Colobopsis riehlii is an ant species in the genus Colobopsis, first described by Roger in 1863. The species belongs to the Colobopsis cylindrica group, a lineage known for specialized defensive behaviors including autothysis (self-sacrifice) in some members. It is commonly referred to as the Mangrove Gate-keeper Ant, suggesting an association with mangrove habitats. Like other Colobopsis species, it likely exhibits caste polymorphism with specialized major workers functioning as nest entrance blockers.
Cremastocheilus angularis
anteater scarab beetle
Cremastocheilus angularis is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle species in the genus Cremastocheilus, commonly known as anteater scarabs. Like other members of this genus, it is believed to live within ant colonies as a predator of ant larvae and pupae, though specific details for this species remain limited. The species name 'angularis' refers to the angular body shape characteristic of the genus. It occurs in western North America, with confirmed records from California.
Cremastocheilus planatus
Cremastocheilus planatus is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the genus Cremastocheilus, commonly known as "anteater scarabs." Adults are obligate predators of ant larvae and pupae within host colonies. The species exhibits specialized morphological adaptations for life inside ant nests, including dense armor and modified mouthparts for piercing soft-bodied prey. Like other members of the genus, it is believed to enter host colonies through death-feigning behavior, allowing worker ants to carry it inside.
Crematogaster
Acrobat Ants, Cocktail Ants, Saint Valentine Ants
Crematogaster is a large, ecologically diverse genus of ants with over 520 described species distributed worldwide. The genus is characterized by a distinctive heart-shaped gaster that can be raised forward over the thorax and head when alarmed, a behavior that has earned them the common names "cocktail ants" and "acrobat ants." Most species are arboreal, though some are ground-nesting. They exhibit complex social behaviors including cooperative hunting, trail-based recruitment, and defensive venom spraying.
Crematogaster atkinsoni
Crematogaster atkinsoni is a species of ant in the tribe Crematogastrini, described by Wheeler in 1919. The genus Crematogaster, commonly known as acrobat ants, is characterized by a distinctive heart-shaped gaster that can be raised over the thorax when alarmed. Species in this genus are found across diverse habitats worldwide and are known for their ecological interactions with other organisms, including as predators of spider egg sacs and as hosts for myrmecophilous beetles.
Crematogaster cerasi
Cherry Acrobat Ant
Crematogaster cerasi is a species of acrobat ant in the tribe Crematogastrini, described by Asa Fitch in 1855. The species is distinguished by specific hair patterns and thoracic ridge characteristics. It is omnivorous, feeding on both animal and plant material. The common name 'Cherry Acrobat Ant' reflects its association with cherry trees and its characteristic behavior of raising its abdomen when disturbed.
Crematogaster depilis
Crematogaster depilis is a species of acrobat ant in the family Formicidae, described by Wheeler in 1919. The genus Crematogaster is known for its characteristic heart-shaped gaster that can be raised over the thorax when alarmed, a behavior that gives these ants their common name. Like other members of this genus, C. depilis is likely to be arboreal or associated with woody vegetation. The species has been documented through 24 observations on iNaturalist, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Crematogaster emeryana
Crematogaster emeryana is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, described by Creighton in 1950. It belongs to the genus Crematogaster, commonly known as acrobat ants, which are characterized by their distinctive heart-shaped gaster that can be raised over the thorax when alarmed. The species is part of a diverse genus with over 400 described species worldwide. Specific ecological and behavioral details for C. emeryana remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Crematogaster hespera
Crematogaster hespera is a species of acrobat ant in the family Formicidae, described by Buren in 1968. The genus Crematogaster is characterized by a distinctive heart-shaped gaster that can be raised over the thorax when disturbed, a trait that gives these ants their common name. As with other members of this large, globally distributed genus, C. hespera is likely associated with woodland and forest habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature. The species has been documented through iNaturalist observations, suggesting ongoing contemporary interest from naturalists.
Crematogaster marioni
Marion's Acrobat Ant
Crematogaster marioni is a species of acrobat ant in the family Formicidae, described by Buren in 1968. It belongs to the genus Crematogaster, commonly known as acrobat ants due to their distinctive habit of raising their gaster (abdomen) over their head when alarmed. The species is part of a large and diverse genus with worldwide distribution, though specific details about C. marioni's biology and ecology remain limited in published literature.