Did you know that Arizona alone has over 300 species of ants? I bet you did not know this. I went on and researched the ant species in Arizona that are commonly seen and have distinguishing features.
As you read this interesting article, you will discover that some of the common ant species in Arizona are named based on their behaviors, while others are named based on their appearance.
Journey with me as I break down and describe the most outstanding features of the common ants in Arizona.
What are the 7 Most Common Ant Species in Arizona?
1. Tapinoma Sessile:
So while carrying out my research on the top 7 ant species in Arizona, the Tapinoma sessile popped up first.
Maybe this name sounds new to you, but you must have heard of sugar ants, odorous house ants, stink ants, and coconut ants, these are the common names used to refer to the Tapinoma sessile.
These ants give off a strong odor when crushed, hence their name. Below are bodily features that can be used to identify this ant species:
- They reach lengths of 1.5875 mm to 3.175 mm.
- They have brown or black bodies.
This ant species is common in Arizona and can be found in places such as:
- Wall voids
- Damaged woods
- Leaking pipes, etc
Although this ant species is not a carrier of diseases, it is capable of contaminating food. Besides moisture, sugar and other sweet foods are sure to attract them.
Read also:Â Silverfish Arizona: Why They Have Become A Serious Problem In The State
2. Argentine Ants:
The next ant on my list of ant species in Arizona is the Argentine ant. This ant species can be identified by the following body features:
- They reach lengths of 2.2 to 2.8 mm.
- Their colors range from light brown to dark brown.
- They do not have wings
Another outstanding characteristic of this ant species is that they often emit a musty smell when crushed, almost like the odorous house ant.
Besides the musty odor that these bugs give off, you can also tell it’s them by their wide trails. Yes, Argentine ants are known to travel and infest in long trails.
Allowing these pests to thrive for so long can be quite disturbing, as they tend to reproduce quickly and can quickly spread across your building. This is why it is necessary that you employ the services of pest control experts to pinpoint the source of this infestation.
3. Yellow Crazy Ants:
The yellow crazy ant is commonly referred to as the maldive ant or long-legged ant and makes it to number 3 on my list of ant species in Arizona.
Why were they given the name ‘Crazy Ants’? Well, I did my little research and realized it was a result of their unpredictable movement patterns, especially when they were disturbed.
If you ever spot this ant in your home in Arizona, I would advise you immediately seek the services of pest control experts to help you eliminate these pests quickly. Allowing them to thrive is a big mistake, as they make it on the list of the most invasive ant species on earth.
The following characteristics make this ant an invasive species:
- They have large colony sizes.
- They can easily blend into new habitats.
- They will exhibit dominant traits even in new habitats.
- They are aggressive towards ants of different species and even their own species.
4. Tetramorium Immigrans:
Tetramorium immigrants make it to number 4 on my list of ant species in Arizona. They are commonly referred to as pavement ants, and I think it is quite obvious why.
These ants commonly construct their nests under pavements and are one of the most commonly seen ants in the state of Arizona. Another thing is that they are well-adapted to urban and suburban habitats, hence the reason why they are commonly seen.
This ant can be identified by the following distinguishing features:
- 2 nodes on the petiole (the part connecting the thorax to the abdomen).
- A single pair of spines on its back.
- Grooves on the head and thorax.
5. Red Imported Fire Ants:
Number 5 on my list of ant species in Arizona is the red imported fire ant. Do not think that because this ant is number 5 on my list it is less invasive than the above-mentioned ants. In fact, the fire ant is capable of inflicting sharp stings when it bites you.
You will often find their nests in the following places:
- Gardens
- Grassy areas
- Lawns, etc
Their diet includes the following:
- Meat
- Sweet
- Greasy food, etc
Because of how intense a sting from this ant species in Arizona could be, I would advise that you do not disturb them when you see them; instead, contact pest control professionals to help you eliminate this ant.
Read also:Â Ants In Alabama: Studying The 3 Most Important Ants In Mississippi
6. Solenopsis Amblychila:
Solenopsis amblychila is another common ant species in Arizona and is native to this region and other American Southwest regions.
You will often find this ant species in the following places:
- Under rocks
- Under chunks of wood
- In the soil
One distinguishing body feature of this ant species is its pale yellow or golden coloration. The workers are referred to as polymorphic, and this is because in the colony they are divided into 2 subcategories:
- Major workers
- Minor workers
7. Pogonomyrmex Occidentalis:
Pogonomyrmex occidentalis is commonly referred to as the western harvester ant. They are usually found to inhabit desert areas and arid grasslands in Arizona and other regions in the American West.
So just like you now, I also wanted to know why they were called ‘harvester ants’, and I found out it was due to their habit of foraging for and collecting seeds and other food sources.
The ‘occidentalis’Â in this ant’s name stands for ‘of the west’, hence their name, ‘western harvester ant’.
These ant species can cause a huge loss of grazing plants and seeds, not to mention that they can inflict painful and venomous stings.
Read also:Â What are the Top 6 Most Common Arizona Spiders?
FAQs About Ant Species In Arizona
What is the Most Common Ant in Arizona?
There are 2 most common ant species in Arizona: the southern fire ants and the desert fire ants.
How Many Species of Ants are there in Arizona?
There are over 300 species of ants in Arizona, and this large number makes them quite difficult to identify as most of them almost look similar. This is why it is important to take note of the most significant ants in the region to ensure proper identification and efficient control.
What are the Big Black Ants in Arizona Called?
The big black ants in Arizona are commonly known as carpenter ants. They are popularly known to excavate wood, which makes them a threat to the structural integrity of buildings. They range from 0.25 to 0.5 inches in length and can be distinguished by their large, round heads and black or red bodies.
Do Arizona Ants Bite?
Yes, Arizona ants do bite. The ant with the most severe bite amongst other Arizona ant species is the fire ant. Children and even adults may suffer severe consequences if bitten by this Arizona ant.
Are Crazy Ants in Arizona?
Yes, there are crazy ants in Arizona. If you ever spot this ant in your home in Arizona, I would advise you to immediately seek the services of pest control experts to help you eliminate these pests quickly.
Allowing them to thrive is a big mistake, as they make it on the list of the most invasive ant species on earth.
What Eats Ants in Arizona?
- Phorid flies
- Beetles
- Caterpillars
- Flies
- Doodlebugs
What is the Fuzzy Ant in Arizona?
The fuzzy ant in Arizona is none other than the velvet ant. Although they are not commonly seen in Arizona, they are there. They can range in color from gold to silver and orange-red.
Are Carpenter Ants Common in Arizona?
Yes, carpenter ants are common in Arizona. They are popularly known to excavate wood, which makes them a threat to the structural integrity of buildings. They range from 0.25 to 0.5 inches in length and can be distinguished by their large, round heads and black or red bodies.
Conclusion
The ant species in Arizona are quite interesting, and believe me when I say I had fun researching them; writing on them was even more interesting.
From the ants with painful stings to those that are greatly invasive, Arizona is one interesting state. Do you have questions about any of the ants I mentioned in this article? Feel free to ask them via the comments section below!
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