Ants

SCIENTIFIC NAME:                  Crematogasterspp.

 

CLASS/ORDER/FAMILY:           Insecta / Hymenoptera / Formicidae

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METAMORPHOSIS:                  Complete

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Acrobat ants include several species. Their common name is descriptive of this ant's habit of raising the abdomen over the thorax and head, especially when disturbed.

 

RECOGNITION

 

• Workers, about  (2.5-4 mm) long; queens range up to (10 mm) long.

• Colour light brown to black, sometimes multi-coloured.

• Antenna is 11-segmented, with 3-segmented club.

• Thorax has 1 pair of dorsal spines.  

• Pedicel 2-segmented and is attached to upper side of gaster.

• Gaster is heart-shaped in dorsal view, broadest towards thorax and sharply pointed at rear.

• Stinger is present.

• Workers of many species emit a repulsive odor when alarmed.

 

DAMAGE AND SIGNS OF INFESTATION

 

Often the only exterior indication of damage is the accumulation of debris expelled by these ants. They prefer wood softened by decay fungi or Styrofoam insulation, but may enlarge cavities in wood made by other insects. They will occasionally strip the insulation from electrical or telephone wires which can cause short circuits.

 

HABITS

 

• Inside structures acrobat ants typically nest in wood that has been subjected to high moisture and fungal decay, the same wood conditions favored by carpenter ants. Similarly, they will nest in Styrofoam insulation panels behind siding and in wall voids. Outside most species nest under rocks or in logs, firewood, or trees where decay enables them to tunnel under the bark and/or into the wood. They occasionally will nest in abandoned termite and carpenter ant galleries as well as in old wood borer, powder-post beetle, or wood wasp tunnels.

 

• The workers readily enter structures by trailing along tree limbs and utility lines as well as along the rails of connected fences and decks. They then enter via cracks and holes around utility lines/pipes, window frames, soffits, etc. Workers also will trail across the ground and enter via door thresholds, weep holes, and other openings or cracks. They have been found to trail over 100 feet (30.S m).

 

• Acrobat ants feed on honeydew from aphids and mealybugs, which they usually tend or "herd." They also feed on live and dead insects, including termite swarmers.

 

• Indoors they show a slight preference for sweets and high-protein foods such as meats.

 

• When disturbed or alarmed, workers of all but the smallest colonies tend to be quite aggressive. They are quick to bite, and give off a repulsive odor.

  

 CONTROL

 

• When workers are found indoors, the first place to inspect is the structure's exterior. Look for these ants on plants infested with honeydew­ producing insects; treatment of such plants may help solve the problem, but usually requires a lawn and ornamental license.

 

• Also, look for trailing ants on the foundation. If siding is present, look for bits of foam insulation which would indicate a nest behind the Siding. Check for trailing ants on all wires, utility lines, and pipes coming into the walls and on tree/shrub branches in contact with the wall.

• Look for signs of excessive moisture such as peeling paint along soffits, around window frames, etc.

 

• In the yard check logs, stumps, firewood, tree cavities, dead tree limbs, and loose bark for ant nests. Also inspect under rocks and debris lying on the ground for ant nests.

 

• Inside, inspect areas with present and past histories of excessive moisture. Check for past water leaks, plumbing problems. etc. Inspect areas of old termite carpenter ant damaged wood for acrobat ants.