Rover Ant

Foraging Characteristics

Tiny to small dark brown to pale blond ants. Soft bodied, abdomen covers petiole. May be seen excitedly running up and down vertical objects in yards, such as blades of grass, chairs, and fence posts, accompanied by larger winged individuals. Most often seen as dead, winged alates floating in pools in large numbers; their swollen bodies look striped. Female winged alates are three times larger than workers, males small enough to fit through mosquito screening.

Nest Sites & Characteristics

Under stones in the soil, or in rotting wood.

Detailed Description

1.5-2 mm (1/16-1/12 in) long. Integument soft. Nine-segmented antennae. One segmented petiole, node inclined, usually concealed by base of gaster. No sting. Mesoepinotal impression distinct. Epinotum with short base and very long, sloping declivity. Subfamily Formicinae.