Yellow Crazy Ant

Anoplolepis gracilipes

Color: Translucent yellow

Size: 4 – 5 mm

Shape: Long slender body, smooth skeleton

Diet: Insects, small invertebrates, sugary substances

Habitat: Southeast Asia, Australia, Africa

By Forest & Kim Starr (USGS) - http://www.starrenvironmental.com/hiinsects/images/thumbnails/html/anoplolepis_gracilipes.htm, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1554139

General Behavior

They move quickly and erratically.

There is more than one queen.

They compete with other ant species.

They damage the ecosystem in the area they invade.

They damage crops and plants.

They don’t bite, but they can spray formic acid, which causes irritation.

Threats

They damage the ecosystem as they feed on small insects and other animals.

They damage plants and cause mold growth.

If they spray formic acid on people, they cause irritation.

How Do We Recognize Infestation?

Ant trails are visible in damp areas.

Their nests are observed in soil and leaf piles.

Destruction of plants

Destruction of food fields