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Common
Name: Carpenter ant
Scientific Name:
Camponotus sp.
Order:
Hymenoptera
Description: Fourteen species of carpenter ants occur in
Texas. The largest species is the black carpenter ant, Camponotus
pennsylvanicus (Fabricius) and is found primarily in wooded
areas outdoors. Common indoor species, Camponotus rasilis
Wheeler and C. sayi Emery, have workers that are dull
red bodied with black abdomens. Worker ants range in size from 1/4
to 1/2-inch. They can be distinguished from most other large ant
species because the top of the thorax is evenly convex and bears no
spines. Also the attachment between the thorax and abdomen (pedicel)
has but a single flattened segment.
Winged reproductive
carpenter ants should not be confused with winged termites (Isoptera).
Common
Name: Pharaoh ant
Scientific Name:
Varies
Order:
Hymenoptera
Description: Also called the sugar ant
or piss ant, these are some of the smallest ants, about 1/12-16 inch
long, with a light tan to reddish body.
Common
Name: Fire ant
Scientific Name:
Solenopsis invicta Buren
Order:
Hymenoptera
Description:
Red
imported fire ants produce hills or mounds in open areas where the
colonies reside, although colonies occasionally occur indoors and in
structures such as utility housings and tree trunks. Disturbance of
mounds results in a rapid defensive response by worker ants, which
quickly run up vertical surfaces. Worker ants range from 1/16 to
3/16 inch (1.5 to 5 mm) in length and are dark brown. Queen ants are
larger (3/8 inch) and have no wings after mating.
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