Acrobat Ant Identification & Biology
Physical Appearance
- Similar to Carpenter Ants but much smaller, about 1/8" in size
- Heart-shaped abdomen raised above main body
- Acrobat Ants vary in color from yellowish brown to dark brown, with the abdomen darker than the rest of the body
- Workers are all the same size
Behavior & Habitat
Acrobat Ants got their name because of they way they sometimes hold their abdomens up in the air when running as if performing an acrobatic stunt. Acrobat Ants may nest outdoors in decaying logs, stumps, and hollow tree cavities, or indoors in within voids (including abandoned carpenter ant nest and termite galleries) and insulation.
Feeding Habits
Acrobat ants feed on a variety of foods including other ants, sweet foods (such as honeydew), and proteins.
Life Cycle
Acrobat Ants, like most ants, have a complex life cycle in which they develop from eggs, to white legless larvae, then to pupae before emerging as adults.
Damage
Acrobat ants are pests mainly by their presence in and around structures. If disturbed, it is possible that workers may become aggressive and sting or bite. Acrobat ants may also produce a foul odor, although this is rare. Structural damage caused by the acrobat ant is very minimal.
Prevention & Control
For more information on how to prevent and control acrobat ants, please see our acrobat ant control page.