Acrobat Ant

Description:

Heart-shaped abdomen often bends up over thorax • Two node segments • Uneven thorax • 11-segmented antennae, 3-segmented club • One pair of spines on thorax • Color varies from black to red and black • Quick to bite; emits a strong odor when disturbed • Stinger present • Monomorphic workers are one size, 1/8 in (3.5 mm) long Indoors, nests may be located where water damage has occurred, in decayed or damp wood or inside insulating wall panels and wall voids. Outdoors, acrobat ants nest under rocks or in logs, firewood or trees where decay allows them to tunnel under bark or into wood. Workers trail along tree limbs, utility lines and rails of fences and decks, entering structures through cracks and holes around utility lines or pipes, window frames and soffits. Workers also trail across the ground and enter through door thresholds and small openings. Acrobat ants are aggressive when disturbed and give off a strong odor.

Habitat:

Found through out the contanental US.

Notes:

Found these small ants while photographing an old barn.