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
Pavement ant

Pavement ant

Tetramorium caespitum

A species of Pavement ants, Also known as Red pavement ant

The pavement ant (Tetramorium caespitum) is one of the most common ants in the world given their ability to produce nests under pavement and live in urban areas. Ants in this group are also known to perform major invasions where the sidewalk may be their battleground. While a rogue giant may end the battle prematurely, hundreds of ants may lay dead.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Pavement 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 Pavement ant
Colors
Brown
Habitat
soil; area with minimal vegetation
Adult Food Sources
Aphid honeydew, small invertebrates such as insects and spiders, sugary exudates from plants, dead insects or small animals, food scraps from human activity
Larva Food Source
Dissolved sugary solutions regurgitated by adults, proteins derived from pre-digested insects provided by worker ants, nutrient-rich trophic eggs laid by the queen, small pieces of arthropod prey, fungal matter
Biting/stinging
The Pavement ant may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Pavement 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 Pavement 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.
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Pavement ant
It is an ant native to Europe, which also occurs as an introduced pest in North America.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Pavement ant
3 - 7 mm
Rectangle
Predators of Pavement ant Larvae
Ants of other species, beetles, flies, wasps, fungi
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Pavement ant
Ants of other species, birds, spiders, mammals
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Pavement ant
Members of pavement ant can carry over 50 times their body weight, exemplifying remarkable strength in the insect world.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Pavement ant
Class
Bugs
Icon allow
Order
Bees
Icon allow
Family
Ants
Icon allow
Tips for Finding Pavement 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 Pavement ant
Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Pavement ant Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of pavement ant are typically found deep inside the nest within the soil or under stones, often in a humid and protected chamber. As the larvae develop, they remain in the nest, cared for by worker ants, in similar hidden and controlled environments. Pupae of pavement ant, also nested, may be in cocoons or exposed, depending on the colony’s practices. To find these stages, one must look under rocks, logs, or inside soil nests in open areas or near human habitations. Adult pavement ant, including workers and reproductives, are found foraging on the ground surface, so one searching for adults should explore paths and foraging trails outdoors, particularly in warmer climates.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Pavement ant
Early morning or late afternoon when pavement ant are most active.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Pavement ant
Warm and dry conditions are optimal as pavement ant do not fare well in cold and rainy weather.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Pavement ant at Different Life Stages
Egg Pavement ant eggs are tiny and located deep within the nest. To find them, one must locate the queen chamber in a pavement ant nest, which can be done gently with a fine paintbrush or soft instrument to avoid damaging the eggs or the nest structure.
Larva Pavement ant larvae are larger than eggs and are still kept within the deeper and more protected areas of the nest. Finding them involves the careful observation and excavation of a pavement ant nest, typically by following worker pavement ant back to their nest.
Pupal Pavement ant pupae are enclosed in a silk-like cocoon and are found within the nest, similar to larvae. Locating them requires the same careful approach used to find larvae, often involving a gentle probe into the nest structure.
Adult Worker pavement ant can be found foraging for food. To locate adults, set up bait stations with trap food and observe from a distance. For queens and males, look near areas of the nest entrance during nuptial flight seasons.
Are Pavement 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

Usually, the pavement ant won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

Rectangle

Are Pavement 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 Pavement 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

Pavement ant typically delivers a mild poison through its sting, which can cause discomfort and possible allergic reactions in humans and dogs. Birds may experience similar mild irritations. Insects, being smaller, may suffer more adverse effects due to their size. Generally, pavement ant uses its sting primarily for defense rather than predation, affecting those who come into contact with it during its adult stage.

Rectangle
Bite Humans

Pavement ant is not typically known to bite humans. Although capable of biting due to their mandibles, they normally do not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans and instances of such are rare and typically associated with threats to their nest or a direct disturbance. When they do bite, the impact on humans is generally minimal and does not cause significant harm.

Rectangle
Nuisance Pests

Pavement ant, commonly invading homes, emit a foul odor when crushed and can inflict painful stings. Their persistent presence, from foraging to nest-building, often results in a distressing cohabitation with humans.

More Effects of Pavement 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 Pavement 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