Thief-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.
Solenopsis pergandei
Pergande's Thief Ant
Solenopsis pergandei is a small thief ant species in the genus Solenopsis, described by Forel in 1901. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus that includes both native species and the highly invasive red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). Unlike its notorious congener, S. pergandei is not considered a significant pest species. The species is part of a diverse group of Solenopsis ants commonly known as thief ants due to their habit of nesting near other ant colonies and stealing their brood.
Solenopsis picta
Northern Twig-nesting Thief Ant
Solenopsis picta is a species of thief ant in the genus Solenopsis, described by Emery in 1895. It is commonly known as the Northern Twig-nesting Thief Ant. The species belongs to a genus that includes other well-known ants such as the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), though S. picta is distinct in its ecology and behavior. Information specific to this species is limited in the provided sources.
Solenopsis tennesseensis
Tennessee Thief Ant
Solenopsis tennesseensis is a small ant species in the family Formicidae, described by Smith in 1951. Commonly known as the Tennessee Thief Ant, this species reaches approximately 1 mm in length and exhibits a yellow-brown coloration. It is native to North America, with documented occurrences in Mexico and the United States. The species belongs to the genus Solenopsis, which includes other well-known thief ants and fire ants.
Solenopsis texana
thief ant, Texas thief ant
Solenopsis texana is a species of thief ant in the family Formicidae, described by Emery in 1895. The species is native to Texas and surrounding regions. Two subspecies are recognized: S. t. texana and S. t. catalinae. Like other members of the genus Solenopsis, this species is small and inconspicuous, earning the common name "thief ant" due to its habit of nesting near other ant colonies and stealing resources.
Solenopsis tonsa
Thompson's Thief Ant
Solenopsis tonsa is a species of thief ant described by Thompson in 1989. It belongs to the genus Solenopsis, which includes the well-known red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). The species is commonly referred to as Thompson's Thief Ant. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only four documented observations on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff. As a member of the Solenopsis genus, it shares the general morphological characteristics of small myrmicine ants, though specific distinguishing features from congeners are not well documented in available sources.