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Crazy Ant,
Anoplolepis gracilipes (Insecta:
Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Native to south west Africa, yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) are recognised by their pale yellowish tan body colour, unusually long legs and antennae. The name "crazy ant" derives from the ants frantic movements and frequent changes in direction, especially when disturbed. The workers range from 2.2 mm to 3 mm in length. Only one node is present on the petiole. The antenna has 12 segments and lacks a club. The antenna scape is very long (about twice the length of the head). The eyes are large and strongly convex. They have the ability to form multi-queened super-colonies, which cause significant disruption to natural environments. For this reason, the Invasive Species Specialist Group for the World Conservation Council lists them as number six in the world's worst invasive species. Red fire ants are listed as number 86. On Christmas Island, crazy ants have decimated crab populations, and caused a decline in native birds, animals and plants. Though crazy ants have no functional sting, they spray formic acid as a defense mechanism, especially when disturbed. Formic acid is one of the most corrosive of acids. Crazy ants are omnivorous, feeding on live and dead insects, seeds, fruits, honeydew and household foods. Crazy ants also protect sap-sucking insects such as scales and mealybugs, farming them for their sugary exudate. This exudate produces sooty mould which affects the health of the plants. They are also pests of honeybee hives. If you are sprayed by a crazy ant:
If you believe you have seen a colony of crazy ants, please notify your local authority (e.g. Department of Natural Resources and Mines, on 1800 999 367 in Australia)
Glossary of Ant Anatomy: http://homepage.mac.com/aenictus/g1.html Ant Cam: http://www.antcam.com/info/faq/ Ant Facts: http://www.calacademy.org/education/ants/antfacts/Ant%20Facts(o).pdf |
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