THIEF ANT (Solenopsis molesta)

Key Biology

• Two nodes
• Monomorphic
• Tiny 1/32 inch long
• Uneven thorax
• 10 segments on antenna
• 2- enlarged segmented club
• Reddish, yellowish, or pale brown, shiny
• Eyes are very small

Distribution

• Prefers meat, grease, seeds, dead insects, rarely takes sweets except honeydew
• Nests outdoors under stones or logs, often in the nests of larger ants, from which they steal food and young larvae hence, the "thief ant"
• Occasionally builds in walls or foundations of buildings
• Chiefly troublesome in warm weather, unless it moves indoors in winter
• Our smallest ant