Thief Ant
These ants nest very near or even in the nest of other ants, which they rob of food.
- Common Name: Thief Ant
- Scentific Name: Solenopsis molesta (Say)
- Class/Order/Family: Insecta/Hymenoptera/Formicidea
- Metamorphosis: Complete
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Size
Workers monomorphic, about 1/16" long; queens about 1/4" long.
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Color
Body pale yellowish to light or dark brown.
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Biology
Colonies are composed of a few hundred to several thousand workers and many queens. Ants have been found feeding on dead rats and mice and might therefore carry disease.
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Habit
Commonly enter structures during hot weather. Nest in small crevices and in woodwork and masonry.
Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington Counties