Acrobat Ants

What are Acrobat Ants?

Crematogaster spp. or Acrobat Ants are native insects. They become pests because they have a tendency to nest in decaying, moist wood. Several times this decaying wood can be a tree, where the ants can conquer the chambers of termites, wood-boring beetles, and caterpillars. The other nest sites of acrobat ants comprise of rotten logs, the surface underneath rocks, and several other objects which remain scattered on the ground.

Acrobat ants become a nuisance when they start living inside the confinements of your home and finds moist decaying wood there. There are around 25 species of acrobat ants in the United States of America alone. The number of species across the world crosses the mark of 400.

Acrobat ants are considered to be highly beneficial for the red-cockaded woodpecker, which is currently in a state of danger from being extinct.

The name of acrobat ants comes from its ability to run away with its tail ends arched over its head in times of danger. This leaves behind an impression that it is actually marveling a headstand. The abdomen – gaster, is shaped in the form of a heart. There are two nodes present on the pedicel, which is between the thorax and gaster. The acrobat ant has two spines present which is present on the top of its thorax. Are you ready to know more about this particular species of an ant? Then, sit back and learn all there is to them.

The Size and Appearance of Acrobat Ants

When it is viewed from above, a heart-shaped abdomen can be seen. All the workers are of the same size. It has a three-segmented club and 12 segmented antennae. The coloration of the acrobat ants varies from dark brownish-black to light brown.

They feed primarily on the honeydew that is produced by aphids. There are two nodes in the pedicel of an acrobat any. The colony of an acrobat ant is basically small, and it comprises of only one queen. However, there are certain exceptions. A few colonies can have a large ant population where thousands of individuals live.

The colony of an acrobat ant is formed after the females and males come together in the nuptial flight. The inseminated queens will then move ahead to select a suitable nesting site in logs, stumps, or decaying wood. Here they will first create a cavity and then lay their eggs. The first workers will bring food to the queen. While the queen rests, enormous batches of eggs are being laid. This helps the colony to grow strong as more rigorous workers emerge and continue their tasks in cleaning, queen care, foraging for food, and expanding the nest.

Where Are Acrobat Ants Found?

Crematogaster spp. are mostly found in the United States of America. But, their range is spread from the Atlantic seaboard to all the way to Pacific coast. Acrobat ants can be found at 7000 feet altitude. Acrobat ants build their nests in fallen trees, decaying tree stumps, and limbs. They also live in termite galleries, carpenter ants galleries, in walls, in house voids, and around window frames, doors, and insulation. The key way to recognize the acrobat ants is by the shape of their abdomen, which is heart-shaped. This appears raised well above its main body. The defense posture of the ant helps it to avert enemies.

Behavior and Biology

Arboreal ants are Crematogaster Ashmeadi which nest in rotten wood and trees. The most dominant type of arboreal ant species are the acrobat ants which are found in the coastal pine forests of North Florida. This comprises 80% – 90% of the ant population in that forest ecosystem. It is because of their abundance that this particular species of ants have become a significant food source for the red-cockaded woodpecker (which are currently endangered). A particular colony of acrobat ants will exist in a particular tree of the coastal pine forests. They inhabit the excavated chambers created by bark beetles and cossid moth larvae. Though acrobat ants are highly territorial, and only a particular colony can exist in one tree, there are instances when a huge colony occupies three different pine trees when they are in close proximity.

Acrobat Ants don’t harm the trees; they move into the abandoned chambers and spaces created by other insects.

Acrobat Ants: What Do They Eat?

Acrobat ants feed on the sugary waste that is secreted by the sap-feeding insects. They also eat honeydew and other types of insects. When acrobat ants invade a home, they prefer eating meat and sweet.

How do Acrobat Ants Reproduce?

This species of ants are extremely similar to all the other ant species when it comes to reproducing. The colonies of mature acrobat ants produce both winged females and males. These reproductive members swarm from their colonies, during the fall season to mate. Once the mating is over, the female acrobat ants fly away to a new location and create their nests.

Signs of Infestation of Acrobat Ants

The first and most obvious sign that your house is now playing host to acrobat ants is the presence of actual trails of an ant on utility lines, pipes, and wires. The acrobat ants travel up to 100 feet in search of resources. This means you will find them trailing the foundation looking for food.

Acrobat Ants also deposit wood scraps and dirt as they start excavating their nest. This is another tell-tale sign that an infestation is in place. If your home has siding look for foam insulation pieces. This indicates that an acrobat nest is currently behind the siding. You should also check for any type of moisture damage that is caused around your home structure. This attracts ants. Peeling paint, fungus growth, mold, deteriorating wood found around the window frames and soffits.

Pictures

Here are few more Pictures of Acrobat ants:

Ways To Keep Acrobat Ants Away From Your Home

Though it might appear to be an impossible task to get rid of the acrobat ant infestation in your house, it can surely be dealt with. Are you ready for some of the most effective remedies to handle this problem?

• Use ant killer spray available in the market to spray over the ants directly.
• You can overwhelm the sense of smell that the ant has with the use of essential oils or vinegar.
• It is easy to create hair using sugar and borax.
• Near the entry points of their nest, you can sprinkle some cinnamon powder.
• Place all your food items in containers which are tightly sealed. This will prevent the acrobat ants from foraging the food present inside.
• You should make it a habit to trim trees and other shrubbery branches. They shouldn’t touch the structures or create a direct pathway which will help them enter.
• Try to seal all exterior cracks and crevices. This includes utility lines and openings around pipes.
• Check out the attic vents and make sure there isn’t any damage caused to the screens.
• Keep in mind that it is necessary to move the firewood piles away from your home. It can also become necessary to remove a tree stump which the acrobat ants use as a nesting site.
• Place baits in front of the nest of the acrobat ants. You have to place it in a way that they feed on it. The portion of the bait should be enough to feed all the ants for days. They should also carry this toxic material inside their nest.

In case the problem of an infestation is way too much for you to handle, then it is advisable to seek the help of professionals who know how to deal with pest control. The best form of baits for acrobat ants are usually the slow-acting ones. This includes grease-based, protein, or sugar. It will kill the whole colony.

Facts About Acrobat Ants

The tendency to elevate their abdomens, notably in situations when they are startled to have earned them their name. These little devils can be extremely aggressive when they have been alarmed. It will not only bite you but also release an offensive odor to distract you.

1. Like all the other types of ants, even acrobat ants can lift a weight that is twenty times heavier than its own.
2. They have wings, both females and males. This appears during the fall.
3. These ants fight to the death.
4. They leave behind a trail of pheromones which declares their presence.
5. When acrobat ants are viewed from above, their abdomens appear to be heart-shaped.
6. They are usually small and measure 5.4 mm.
7. Acrobat ants have two antennae, compound eyes, an abdomen, thorax, a head, and six legs. Spikes protrude from the thorax and seem to move in the direction of the abdomen.
8. They are attracted to dead and decaying wood.
9. When they are threatened or disturbed, they defend themselves with stinging bites and unpleasant odor.

This is all there is to learn about Acrobat Ants. How fascinating did you find their traits? Let us know in the comment section below.