Kingdom Animalia Order Hymenoptera Subfamily Formicinae Scientific name Nylanderia pubens Rank Species | Phylum Arthropoda Family Formicidae Genus Nylanderia Higher classification Paratrechina | |
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Similar Ant, Nylanderia, Paratrechina, Insect, Hymenopterans | ||
Nylanderia pubens is a species of ant of the genus Nylanderia, commonly called the Caribbean crazy ant. It was originally described as Paratrechina pubens from Saint Vincent, Lesser Antilles. This species was moved from Paratrechina to the genus Nylanderia in 2010.
These ants are about one-eighth inch long and are covered with reddish-brown hairs. The colonies have multiple queens. An infestation of this species, or a related species named Nylanderia fulva, is ongoing in and around Houston, Texas.
Description
Nyladeria pubens is referred to a group called "crazy ants" due to the quick an erratic movements they create. It is 2.6 to 3 mm, monomorphic, reddish brown ant. Its antennae have 12 segments, and has a lack of a club. The antennal scape is nearly twice as large as the head. Its bite is not known to sting.