A Crematogaster acrobat ant stands guard over a pile of larvae, her stinger extruded, when the photographer uncovers her nest.
(Courtesy Alex Wild. Please visit
Scientific Name: Crematogaster spp. Order/Family: Hymenoptera/Formicidae
Description:
Acrobat Ant workers are light brown-black to red-black and 1/16" to 1/4" in length. The top of the thorax has a pair of spines and the petiole (the gap between the middle and last segment) has two segments or nodes. The petiole is attatched to the top of the abdomen in contrast to most other species of ants which makes identifying this ant easier. When viewed from above the abdomen appears to be heart shaped. A stinger is present. When alarmed workers rush around with their abdomens raised over there heads. The antenna has 12 segments.
Biology:
Acrobat Ant colonies only have one queen. Swarmers have been observed in nests or swarming from mid-June through late September.
Habitat:
Acrobat Ants are active in Michigan. These ants with the heart shaped abdomen will nest outdoor under stones, logs, firewood and even in trees. They prefer conditions similar to carpenter ants. Inside your house they will nest in walls, floor voids, foam insulation and in other areas that you may see carpenter ants. They may be found in abandoned termite or carpenter ant galleries. You will see them in areas with wood that have moisture issues which is why you may find them in areas adjacent to down spouts, roofs with small leaks and window panes. Although the damage they do is typically minimal, they will dig out moisture rich wood leaving some frass (sawdust). Acrobat ants travel in trails and may forage as much as far as 100' from their nest. They feed on honeydew produced by aphids (and other plant feeders), live and dead insects including termite swarmers. These ants run in a jerky motion and will freeze with their abdomen above their head if disturbed. Workers will defend their colony agressively and are quick to bite and produce a foul odor.
Control:
Zebra Pest Control will be your biggest weapon against acrobat ants. In addition, homeowners should replace all moisture rich wood to help eliminate nesting areas for these ants. Tree limbs that overhang the home should be removed and firewood should be stored away from the home. After Zebra Pest Control has eliminated any indoor colonies, any gaps in the exterior walls should be sealed.