Identification
 |
Key features |
|
Field identification |
|
Key it out |
Key Features
The following features distinguish Argentine ants from other species present in New Zealand
-
Workers all same size (monomorphic)
-
Petiole only (one segment between mesosoma and gaster)
-
Antennae 12-segmented and without club
-
Eyes placed low on head with the widest point of head above eyes
-
Weakly concave front margin of clypeus
-
5–8 large teeth on the mandibles
-
Mandibles longer than wide
Sting absent
 |
 |
| Argentine ant face | Argentine ant gastor |
Field identification
Workers are about 2.7 mm long and a uniform honey-brown colour. They appear dark brown/grey when seen foraging in the field and are dull and relatively streamlined compared with the common black species found foraging in urban areas in New Zealand. Foragers move steadily in defined continuous trails and tend to walk over objects placed on trails. They have only a slight greasy odour when crushed, as opposed to the strong formic acid smell of some ant species. Trails can often be found along smooth surfaces, and in an urban environment they are commonly found by pulling back the grass at the edge of the footpath. Foragers collect honeydew from scales and aphids and collect nectar from flowers. Trails can often be found ascending flowering trees and shrubs. Nests are highly mobile and, if disturbed, workers run off carrying the brood. Nests can be found under wood, stones, piles of leaves, in potted plants, etc. Colonies have many queens (polygynous), which can be evident if a nest is found.
 |
|
| Impacts | |