Acrobat Ants

What do acrobat ants look like?

There are many species of acrobat ants found living throughout the U.S. Their appearance varies slightly depending on the specific species. In general, acrobat ants range from a light yellow-brown to black, and some can even be multicolored! Adult workers grow to about 1/8 of an inch in length; the queens are larger and grow to be about 3/8 of an inch. Acrobat ants have a couple of distinctive features that allow them to be easily identified. First, they have the very unique acrobatic ability of being able to hold their abdomen up over the rest of their body. Secondly, they have a heart-shaped abdomen; and lastly, these ants emit a foul-smelling odor when they feel threatened.

Where Are Acrobat Ants Found?

Acrobat ants living outside can be found nesting and living under rocks and logs, in firewood piles, and in/under decaying trees. They may also take the easy way out and invade nesting cavities that they come across that other insects have already created. Acrobat ants invade Quad City homes and other buildings while foraging for food or suitable nesting areas. They typically find their way into buildings by trailing along tree lines and utility lines as well as along the rails of connected fences and decks. Acrobat ants enter inside through cracks and crevices found in the foundation, through gaps found around windows, underneath gaps found around exterior doors, and through spaces found around utility entrances.

What do acrobat ants eat?

Acrobat ants typically feed on honeydew from aphids and mealybugs, along with live or dead insects that they come across. When foraging for food inside homes they enjoy feeding on sweet food and foods that are high in protein, like meats.