Overall coloration pale to very dark brown, often with a distinct blueish iridescent sheen, especially on the mesosoma and gaster. (2017) report on this species in Yemen: The known habitats of this species are diverse, no doubt enabling its wide distribution. While this species originated in Southeast Asia, it is known worldwide as an invasive species and environmental pest. It is usually in disturbed areas but can invade undisturbed areas as well. Mandibles, antennae and legs (especially the trochanters of all legs, which are a strongly contrasting very pale yellow-brown) much lighter in color; cuticle smooth and moderately shining with faint shagreenate sculpture, which is most obvious on head and gaster. First published Florida record: Smith 1930.
Paratrechina longicornis, the crazy ant (not to be confused with the yellow crazy ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes) is a tramp ant, which, by definition, is an ant that is widely dispersed through commerce and other human-assisted avenues. Head narrow, distinctly longer than broad, with abundant pale (yellow-brown to almost white), erect macrosetae; anterior clypeal margin with a shallow medial indentation; scapes with a dense layer of very fine pubescence but lacking erect macrosetae; eyes large and convex, extending beyond head lateral margin in full frontal view; posterior head margin with rounded posterolateral corners; three distinct ocelli present. Crazy ants are so named because of their frantic movements and erratic behavior. MSC = 3-4); in profile pronotum and mesonotum almost flat dorsally, with a broadly angled junction; metanotal area relatively indistinct, medially about 1/5 the length of the mesonotum but longer laterally than medially; dorsum of propodeum almost flat to very shallowly domed, rounding evenly into the short declivitious face; anterolateral portion of dorsal face with some scattered pubescence.
Indices: CI: 73-94; REL2: 38-42 ; SI: 182-226. LaPolla et al. Paratrechina longicornis is considered to be a nuisance pest species due to its tendency to forage and nest in homes and buildings and the ease of which humans move it around.
They found Jaffe (1993) reported that at low tide on the beaches of Mumbai, India, hundreds of meters of new coast are exposed, filled with marine debris and human detritus. In 1991, in the large closed dome of the research station In tropical regions, male and female sexual forms may appear outside colonies at any time of year; but, in Florida, they appear between May and September. Paratrechina longicornis Every Ant Tells a Story - And Scientists Explain Their Stories Here This ant has been transported to almost all the populated subtropical and tropical areas in the world. What Do They Look Like?
Every Ant Tells a Story - And Scientists Explain Their Stories HereSan Cristóbal, República Dominicana. McCreery et al. It is usually in disturbed areas but can invade undisturbed areas as well. This is adept at locating food sources and will readily feed on common household foods including meat, sweats, vegetables, and fountain soda syrups.
(2013) - Measurements in millimeters (n=4): TL: 2.1- 2.5; HW: 0.46-56; HL: 0.49-0.7; EL: 0.17-0.23; SL: 0.98-1.16; PW: 0.34-0.43; WL: 0.82-0.98; PrFL: 0.6-0.9; GL: 0.83-0.9. Baits of various sizes were used, with testing conducted in the field in Tempe, Arizona.
The longhorn crazy ant is able to invade new habitats and out-compete other species of ant.
Scientific Name: Paratrechina longicornis.
Video by Judá Isaí Martínez Uribe.References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics