Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Argentine ant

Argentine ant

Linepithema humile

A species of Linepithema

Argentine ants are unable to dig deep nests so they tend to take up residence in the cracks of concrete, wooden floorboards, and even human belongings. They may also make a home in shallow leaf litter. Researchers have discovered three "supercolonies" of these ants, genetically related on three different continents, with the one in Europe spanning 6,000 km.

Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Argentine ant
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Argentine ant
Colors
Brown
Habitat
wet and dry area
Adult Food Sources
Sweet substances (e.g., nectar), aphid honeydew, seeds, insects and other small arthropods, human foods (e.g., meats, oils, fats)
Larva Food Source
Insect secretions (e.g., trophallaxis from adults), liquids regurgitated by workers, soft-bodied insects, aphid honeydew, fungi
Non-poisonous
The Argentine ant is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Argentine ant feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Argentine ant
It is an invasive species that has been established in many Mediterranean climate areas, inadvertently introduced by humans to many places, including South Africa, New Zealand, Japan, Easter Island, Australia, Europe, Hawaii, and continental United States. The ants are ranked among the world's 100 worst animal invaders.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Argentine ant
In at least 15 countries throughout the world, on six continents, many oceanic islands
Rectangle
Appearance of Argentine ant
The worker ants are 1.5 - 2.5 mm long. Queens are 4.5 - 6 mm long, much smaller than other species of ants.
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Argentine ant?

Rectangle
Life Cycle of Argentine ant
Egg The initial stage of the argentine ant is the egg, which is laid by the queen and tiny in size. The egg is often oval and translucent, developing into a larva after a period of incubation.
Larva In this stage, the argentine ant resembles a white, legless grub, primarily focused on consuming food provided by adult workers. The larva sheds its skin multiple times as it grows.
Pupal Upon reaching a certain size, the larva spins a cocoon around itself, forming a pupa. Inside, the argentine ant begins the transformation to adult form, with its limbs and features hidden in a pupal case.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult argentine ant's development is marked by the presence of wings for reproductive individuals and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Argentine ant
1.5 - 6 mm
Rectangle
Predators of Argentine ant Larvae
Ants, beetles, birds, spiders
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Argentine ant
Class
Bugs
Icon allow
Order
Bees
Icon allow
Family
Ants
Icon allow
Tips for Finding Argentine ant
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Argentine ant
Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Grasslands and Prairies
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Argentine ant
Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Argentine ant
Sugary substances, proteins or greasy foods can be used as bait to attract argentine ant, as they are omnivorous and will be attracted to a variety of food sources.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Argentine ant Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of argentine ant are usually found in the concealed and humid environment of the nest, often underground or within structures. Larvae require nourishment and protection, therefore, they are located in the brood chambers close to food sources inside the nest. Pupae develop in similar conditions, surrounded by workers that maintain the necessary temperature and humidity. To observe these stages, one must carefully excavate the nest, ensuring minimal disturbance. Adult argentine ant, being foragers, are most commonly found on trails or near food sources, and searching for them involves following their well-established trails or locating the nest entrances from where workers emerge.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Argentine ant
The best time to find argentine ant is usually during warm weather when they are most active. This is typically in the late spring through to early fall.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Argentine ant
Dry, warm conditions are ideal for finding argentine ant, as they prefer to forage for food and might be more visible on the surface during these conditions.
Are Argentine ant harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free

Argentine ant can frequently enter inside for food and damage them. Argentine ant is invasive and can threaten the livelihood of local ants and plants where they invade into.

Rectangle

Are Argentine ant harmful to humans?

Defensive attack. Despite being strongly aggressive, argentine ants usually don't attack humans proactively. They might bite when feeling threatened, and while their bites cause pain, there is usually no more serious consequences. They are sting-free and therefore don't sting.
Constant disturbance. Once ants find food in the home space, they leave behind smell marks along the route and an army of ants would march here constantly to collect more food. Usually, ants are not disease vectors, but they may smudge food which is quite annoying.
Rectangle

Where do Argentine ant come from?

Be attracted by food. The food at home and falling food scraps that are not cleaned in time attract nearby ants.
Attracted by house materials. The old wooden structure easily attracts argentine ant to build nests.
Move-in for shelter. In extreme weather (such as heavy rain), outdoor ants will also hide in nearby houses in advance to take refuge.
Rectangle

How to get rid of Argentine ant?

Use chalk. Chalk scratches can interfere with odor signals and prevent ants from making any progress. This method is not effective for a long period for the reason that the traces of chalk will gradually disappear and ants will explore new paths.
Use fiery vinegar. Dropping vinegar on the path that ants climbed can also confuse them and make them unable to find the right way.
Image
Use white vinegar. White vinegar can be boiled to fumigate the entire house. It is also advised to clean the tableware and kitchen with a mixture of white vinegar and water at 1:1, which can not only reduce the invasion of ants but also effectively remove some stains. This method is safe and non-toxic.
Use mint. Ants don't like the taste of mint. It is recommended to plant mint around the door and in front of the window, which is pleasant and can repel many insects. Using diluted mint essential oil to drive away ants at home.
Image
Use other odors that are nasty to ants. You can sprinkle coffee grounds, citrus peel debris, chili powder, and cinnamon powder around the house to prevent ants from entering. Use chili powder with caution, especially when you have children or pets at home. They may have discomfort when exposed to irritating chili powder.
Image
Buy and use ant bait. If there are a large number of ants, it is necessary to try the ant bait sold in stores. Put the ant food near the gathering point of ants, such as under the kitchen counter or under the window sill. This tip can gradually reduce the number of ants. Pay attention to moisture-proof storage. Spray it to the dried place to avoid losing its effectiveness. During this period, avoid cleaning the path that ants pass.
Use pesticides. If you can find the exact location of the ant nest, it is advised to expose the ant nest and use pesticides.
Harmful Effects of Argentine ant
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Icon toxic for
Bite Humans
Rectangle
Bite Humans

Argentine ant is not known for biting humans as a characteristic behavior. When they do, it's typically a mild defensive reaction rather than an aggressive one, with no major consequences for most individuals.

Rectangle
Nuisance Pests

Argentine ant is a pervasive nuisance, infesting homes in search of food and water. Their large colonies and aggressive foraging behavior exacerbate the nuisance, causing severe disturbances in both urban and ecological environments.

More Effects of Argentine ant

Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Argentine ant
Fire ant
Fire ant

Solenopsis geminata is an ant species from the Myrmicinae subfamily. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1804 by Fabricius.

Read More
Arrow
Southern fire ant
Southern fire ant

Southern fire ant is a species adapted for cooperative living, with a sophisticated social structure organized around a single reproducing queen and varying castes of workers. This species exhibits an aggressive defense mechanism, emitting a sting that delivers a painful venom to deter predators. With a diet that includes proteins and sugars, southern fire ant forage efficiently, utilizing pheromone trails for their scavenging activities, highlighting their advanced communication systems.

Read More
Arrow
Thief ant
Thief ant

Solenopsis molesta, also known as thief ants , get their names from their habit of nesting close to other ant nests, from which they steal food. They are also called grease ants because they are attracted to grease. Nuptial flight in this species occur from late July through early fall.

Read More
Arrow
Red Imported Fire Ant
Red Imported Fire Ant

The red Imported Fire Ant( Solenopsis invicta ) is native to central South America. These aggressive ants can pose a serious threat to the health of humans, plants, and animals. The worker ants can sting their enemies repeatedly, unlike honeybee for once, and attack anything that disturbs them. In order to get honeydew easily, they farm aphids on plants, which are also harmful to plants. The red Imported Fire Ant cause billions of loss annually in the US.

Read More
Arrow
Aphaenogaster swammerdami
Aphaenogaster swammerdami

Aphaenogaster swammerdami is an ant species from the subfamily of the Myrmicinae. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1886 by Trout.

Read More
Arrow
Aphaenogaster swammerdami clara
Aphaenogaster swammerdami clara

Read More
Arrow
Gliding ants
Gliding ants

Cephalotes atratus is a large, mainly black ant; workers are 8 - 15 mm in length and females 2 cm. Males are up to 1.4 cm and have black heads and thoraxes, and dark reddish-brown gasters and limbs. The workers are spiny and heavily armoured with powerful mandibles for chewing through wood.

Read More
Arrow
Striated ant
Striated ant

Huberia striata is an ant species from the subfamily of the Myrmicinae. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1876 by Smith, F ..

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow