Which Ants Are Red?
WouterSeveral species of ants are known as red ants. They vary in size and temperament. Some of them are harmless but others can be a nuisance to homeowners and businesses.
These species are mostly found in the southern United States. Their colonies can be found in soil, woodwork, and masonry. These ants may also be found in hospitals and other areas where there are sick people. They are usually harmless to humans but may bite.
Argentine ants are a very common pest in restaurants, hotels, and other places where there are people. They are a very small, grayish black ant. They normally live outdoors, but they have been found in lawns and pastures. They are known to be predacious on other insects. Their nests are made of conical mounds. They are also found in golf courses.
Southern fire ants are native to the Southern United States and are also called California fire ants. They are commonly found in arid regions of Texas and California. They are similar to the red imported fire ants in terms of color. They also have three clypeal teeth, but their lateral teeth are only two. Their bite is painful, but not as destructive.
Tawny crazy ants are new invasive species from South America. They are rapidly becoming dominant in North America. They tend to be chaotic, swarm in strange places, and can be difficult to get rid of.
The queens of these ants are approximately 3/4 inch in length. The workers are about 1/4 inch long. They have 12 segments on their antennae, three segments on their club antennae, and two nodes on their petiole.
