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EXOTIC TEXAS ANT
EXOTIC WORKER
IN ELECTRICAL OUTLET
IN ELECTRICAL BOX
AKA- CRAZY RASBERRY ANT
This ant has yet to be identified to species due to confusion regarding the taxonomy of the genus. Therefore, this ant is referred to as Paratrechina sp. nr. pubens. Research concerning the morphology and phylogenetics (Jason Meyers, Ph.D. student), for identification purposes, is ongoing. Although, there is no properly accepted common name (via the Code of Zoological Nomenclature nor the Entomological Society of America) there are a couple of common names often used for this species. The common name used most often is the Caribbean crazy ant (for Paratrechina pubens). However, here in Texas, more specifically in the Houston area, the common name often referenced is the crazy rasberry ant (for Paratrechina sp. nr. pubens). If you are a pest control operator and you suspect your client may have these ants, please contact Jason Meyers at the Center for Urban & Structural Entomology. Please send samples in sealed vials.
Special Concerns
They have been known to short out many different types of electrical apparatuses. In some cases the ants have caused several thousand dollars in damage and remedial costs. These ants often cause great annoyance to residents and businesses. In some situations, it has become uncomfortable for residents to enjoy time in their yards. Companion animals may, in some cases, avoid the outdoors as well.
These ants do not have stingers (unlike the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta). In place of a stinger, is an acidopore, which can excrete chemicals for defense or attack. These ants, will however, bite. This behavior seems to be rare, but in some cases they will bite, causing a relatively sharp but quickly fading pain.
Another species of Paratrechina, fulva, has caused great pestilence in rural and urban areas of Colombia. In many cases, they displaced all other ant species. Small livestock (e.g. chickens) may die of asphyxia. Larger animals, such as cattle, are attacked around eyes, nasal fossae and hooves. They have also dried grasslands due to their association with homopterans.
*Special Note: Crazy ant, P. longicornis, may in some cases create massive, but localized numbers. These species look similar but have marked differences. P. longicornis antennae and legs are significantly longer than that of P. sp. nr. pubens. P. longicornis thorax is extended in length considerably, compared to that of many other Paratrechina species. Although the use of color as an identification tool is not to be relied upon, the crazy ant is often jet black in color, especially when compared to the typically reddish-brown of P. sp. nr. puben.
Biology
Characteristics
Coloration: reddish-brown (lightness/darkness of the color may vary)
Body 1/8 inch in length (monomorphic)
Body has numerous long coarse hairs
Workers have long legs and antennae
However, not as long as the crazy ant, P. longicornis
Workers have 12-segmented antennae with no club
Small circle of hairs (acidopore) present at tip of the abdomen (as opposed to the typical stinger found in most ants)
This is a characteristic of formicine ants found within the Formicinae subfamily
Nest primarily outdoors, but will forage in homes
Will nest under most any object that retains moisture
They are omnivorous
Tend homopterous insects (aphids, leaf hoppers, etc.) for honeydew (liquid with high content of sugar)
Consume other insects, small vertebrates for protein
Morphological description is very similar to P. pubens (often referred to as the Caribbean crazy ant, however not an accepted common name by the Entomological Society of America)
Currently, little is known regarding specific biology of this ant. Texas A&M’s Center for Urban and Structural Entomologyis currently investigating food source attraction (Rachel Wynalda, M.S. student), colony growth and immature development (Jason Meyers, Ph.D. student). However, research regarding other Paratrechina species is available and may offer close approximations of this species.
Colonies are polygyne (multiple queens) with moderately sized numbers (~several hundred to few thousand). However, size of the colony can be much greater, especially when considering their unicolonial (supercolony) behavior. The colonies can be found under or within almost any object or void, including stumps, soil, concrete, rocks, potted plants, etc.
P. sp. nr. pubens have been found in enormous numbers and colonies that seem to be indistinguishable from one another. P. sp. nr. pubens foraging trails are quite apparent (≤ 10cm) and individuals forage erratically, hence the typical reference to “crazy” ant. These foraging trails will often follow structural guidelines, however large trails can be found in open areas. P. sp. nr. pubens will consume honeydew produced by homopteran insects. These ants will also eat other insects and small vertebrates. No nuptial flights have been observed in the field, despite winged reproductives. This may indicate the species propagates via budding with breeding occurring at/near the edge of the nest, creating new colonies at the periphery
Distribution
This species has only been known in the state of Texas since 2002. Since that time, remarkable numbers can be found in several different locations in the surrounding area of southeast Houston, including Houston, Pasadena, Deer Park, Friendswood, San Jacinto Port, Pearland, Seabrook and La Porte. There are a few other suspected areas, however, samples have not been confirmed. It is suspected that the spread of this ant will undoubtedly reach well beyond the Houston area. This ant currently infests Brazoria, Galveston and Harris counties.
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