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
Thief ant

Thief ant

Solenopsis molesta

A species of Fire ants

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.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Thief 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 Thief ant
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
human-dwelling; crack
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Thief 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
The Thief ant typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Thief ant
They are native to the United States and can be found in Eastern, Western, and Central parts of the country and northern Mexico.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Thief ant
Eastern, Western, and Central parts of the United States, northern Mexico
Rectangle
Appearance of Thief ant
S. molesta range anywhere from 1/32 of an inch (0.5 mm) to 1/8 of an inch (3 mm) long. Queens in this species measure at just over 5mm in length and range from a yellow to a light brown color. Workers are yellow and occasionally pale brown in appearance. They have very small eyes and are covered in erect and sub-erect yellow hairs. These ants have a two-segmented petiole (a petiole and postpetiole) connecting their abdomen to the thorax. They have 10 segments in their antennae, which end in large segmented clubs. Thief ants possess small stingers on their oblong abdomens. Worker ants have large jaws for carrying food, usually other ants' brood, back to the colony. The larvae of thief ants have been described from the Brazilian species Solenopsis helena. Despite a general resemblance to the larvae of the larger fire ants, the larvae of thief ants are much smaller and present spiculate hairs on their face.
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Thief ant?

Rectangle
Life Cycle of Thief ant
Egg The egg phase is the beginning of the thief ant's life cycle. During this time, the eggs are typically oval-shaped, small, and laid in protected environments. They lack mobility and discernible features, with growth occurring internally.
Larva In the larval stage, the thief ant is worm-like, with a soft, elongated body. This stage is characterized by rapid growth, multiple molts, and a focus on feeding. The larvae lack wings and complex eyes, and they are generally legless.
Pupal During the pupal stage, the thief ant undergoes significant transformation inside a protective cocoon. It is immobile and vulnerable. The body is reorganized, tissues differentiate, and adult features like wings start to form but are not yet functional.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult thief 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.
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Thief ant
Anteaters, birds, arachnids, amphibians
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Thief ant
Despite their size, thief ant can lift objects 20 times their body weight, showcasing remarkable strength in the insect world.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Thief ant
Class
Bugs
Icon allow
Order
Bees
Icon allow
Family
Ants
Icon allow
Tips for Finding Thief 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 Thief ant
Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Thief ant
Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Thief ant
Because thief ant is likely a type of ant, sugary substances or protein-rich foods such as small insects can be used as bait to attract them.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Thief ant Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of thief ant develop in the protected underground nest chambers meticulously constructed by worker ants in various environments such as grasslands, wooded areas, and urban settings. These chambers maintain suitable temperature and humidity crucial for larval growth. The pupae also reside in similar subterranean nest chambers, evolving in secure conditions away from predators. Adult thief ant are found both within the nest and outside on foraging expeditions. To seek out these stages, one would sift through leaf litter, turn over rocks, or excavate soil around nest entrances, ensuring to check the chambers without disturbing them excessively, where a carefully calibrated search would reveal nests in diverse habitats from open fields to sidewalks.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Thief ant at Different Life Stages
Larva Thief ant larvae are usually located deep within the ant colony, in the brood chambers. Locate the nest entrance and carefully excavate to observe them, ensuring minimal disturbance to the colony.
Pupal Thief ant pupae will also be found in the brood chambers of the colony. Similar to finding larvae, you will need to gently expose the inner chambers of the ant nest.
Adult Thief ant adults can be seen foraging for food outside the nest. Look for their trails leading back to the nest entrance, which is typically a small mound of dirt or an opening in the ground.
Are Thief 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

The thief ant has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.

Rectangle

Are Thief 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 Thief 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
Toxic to Animals
Icon toxic for
Bite Humans
Rectangle
Toxic to Animals

Thief ant secretes venom through a sting, which can cause reactions ranging from mild irritation to severe allergic symptoms in animals such as humans, dogs, cats, and birds. The intensity of the reaction often depends on the sensitivity of the species and individual to the venom, with consequences varying from temporary discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis in severe cases. The adult stage of thief ant is particularly associated with this defensive yet potentially harmful behavior.

Rectangle
Bite Humans

The behavior of thief ant does not typically involve biting humans. These ants may defensively bite when disturbed, but such instances are rare and generally inconsequential, resulting in minor irritation.

Rectangle
Nuisance Pests

Thief ant, while typically a mild nuisance when appearing singularly, can become severe when colonies infest human habitats, causing distress with their persistent presence and bites.

More Effects of Thief 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 Thief 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
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
Labidus coecus
Labidus coecus

This species of army ant lives mainly underground, only emerging to forage for food. Its raids on other species are thought to help to protect ant species diversity. They also prey upon pest species such as screwworm larvae, which protects the livestock that this worm infects.

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