Photo By Judy Gallagher , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Allegheny mound ant
Formica exsectoides
A species of Wood ants, Also known as Mound-building ant
Formica exsectoides is an ant species from the subfamily of the Formica exsectoides (Formicinae). The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1886 by Trout.
Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
General Info About Allegheny mound ant
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Attributes of Allegheny mound ant
Colors
Brown
Black
Orange
Habitat
grassland; forest; cave
Adult Food Sources
Insects, honeydew from aphids, nectar, fruits, plant exudates
The Allegheny mound ant has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Defensive attack
The Allegheny mound ant has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Allegheny mound ant can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Allegheny mound ant
It is native to the Atlantic area of North America.
Distribution Area of Allegheny mound ant
Nova Scotia, Georgia
Appearance of Allegheny mound ant
Both its head and thorax are red-orange; its gaster is black-brown.
Egg The egg stage marks the beginning of the allegheny mound ant's life cycle. The eggs are often oval and tiny, varying in color, yet usually pale and laid in clusters. They serve as the protected developmental stage with minimal movement.
Larva After hatching, the larva stage presents a worm-like creature, lacking true legs and eyes. The allegheny mound ant is voracious, growing rapidly as it molts several times. This stage is solely dedicated to feeding and growth.
Pupal The pupal stage is where the allegheny mound ant undergoes transformation. Encased in a cocoon, it is immobile and defenseless. Inside, the wings, legs, and antennae form and differentiate, while the body remodels into its adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult allegheny mound ant's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Adult Size of Allegheny mound ant
4.5 - 9 mm
Predators of Allegheny mound ant Larvae
Amphibians such as frogs and toads, various bird species, arachnids like spiders, insectivorous mammals, other insects such as beetles and predatory wasps
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Adult Habitat of Allegheny mound ant
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Habitat Preferences of Allegheny mound ant Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of allegheny mound ant develop within the protected underground nests, which are located in grassy or woodland areas, often preferring sandy soils. The pupae are also found inside these nests, typically in specialized chambers. For adult allegheny mound ant, a search would lead to the foraging trails and feeding sites above ground in forested areas, but they retreat to their nests for rest and when conditions outside are unfavorable. A search process is intricate, involving careful observation of worker trails that can lead back to their complex nesting structures.
Are Allegheny mound ant harmful?
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The allegheny mound ant has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Are Allegheny mound ant harmful to humans?
Different kinds of ants cause different troubles to humans. To be sure, compared with other dangerous creatures, common ants are very harmful to humans, and most of them just gather in the courtyard or room to disturb human life.
But there are some dangerous groups. They have strong jaws and sting needles and can bite or sting when under stress. Usually, ants only cause physical damage and the pain caused by formic acid. These discomforts do not even need to be dealt with, and can be recovered quickly. But there are still very few ant stings that can cause allergies and even death. Other ants can pollute the environment, destroy buildings, affect harvests and even spread diseases.
Harmful Effects of Allegheny mound ant
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Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
Toxic to Animals
Allegheny mound ant typically uses its sting to defend itself or its colony. Its venom is mild and can cause discomfort and localized reactions primarily among larger animals including humans, dogs, and cats, where the effects might be pain and swelling. Smaller creatures like birds might exhibit more pronounced discomfort upon being stung. However, the reactions largely vary with individual tolerance and sensitivity to the toxin. Adults of allegheny mound ant are the life stage responsible for the potential to inflict stings.
Bite Humans
Allegheny mound ant typically does not exhibit a pattern of biting humans. Incidental bites may occur if threatened, employing mandibles; however, this defense mechanism primarily serves to deter predators. Human encounters resulting in bites are rare, with consequences being minor discomfort rather than severe reactions.