Grease-ant
Guides
Solenopsis molesta
thief ant, grease ant
Solenopsis molesta is a small myrmicine ant known for its habit of nesting near other ant colonies and stealing their food and brood, earning it the common name 'thief ant.' Workers are tiny (0.5–3 mm), yellow to pale brown, with reduced eyes and a two-segmented petiole. The species is native to the United States and northern Mexico, where it occupies diverse habitats from soil and rotting logs to human dwellings. Colonies range from a few hundred to a few thousand workers and may be polygynous. Nuptial flights occur from late July through early fall. The species is attracted to grease and protein sources rather than sweets, making it a distinctive household pest that is difficult to control due to its small size and inaccessible nesting sites.