Acrobat ant
Scientific Name: Crematogaster spp.
Description:
Acrobat ants are a group of ants that belong to the genus Crematogaster. They are known for their distinctive heart-shaped abdomen, which they often raise over their thorax and head when disturbed, giving them the appearance of an acrobat.
Identification:
- Size: Workers are typically 2.5 to 4 mm long.
- Color: They vary in color from yellowish-brown to dark brown or black.
- Shape: They have a distinctive heart-shaped abdomen.
- Antennae: They have 11-segmented antennae with a three-segmented club.
Habitat:
Acrobat ants are commonly found outdoors in decaying wood, under rocks, in leaf litter, and in trees. Indoors, they can nest in wood structures, wall voids, insulation, and other cavities.

Behavior:
- Nesting: They often nest in moist or decaying wood, similar to carpenter ants, but can also be found in soil or leaf litter.
- Diet: Acrobat ants are generalist predators, feeding on both living and dead insects and honeydew from aphids and sweet substances from sugar plants or fruit flies.
- Defensive Behavior: When disturbed, acrobat ants can emit a foul odor and use their stinger for defense.
Signs of Infestation:
- Trails: Visible trails of ants moving to and from their nest.
- Nests: Finding nests in decaying wood, under rocks, or inside wall voids and insulation.
- Debris: Accumulation of sawdust or frass (ant droppings) near nesting sites.
Prevention and Control:
- Eliminate Moisture: Fix leaks and reduce moisture in and around the home.
- Remove Decaying Wood: Replace or repair decaying wood structures.
- Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks and crevices around the home to prevent entry.
- Baiting: Use ant baits to control and eliminate colonies.
- Professional Pest Control: For severe infestations, consider enlisting the expertise of Get Em Out Wildlife Control, a professional pest control service.
Impact:
Acrobat ants can be a nuisance and may cause minor structural damage if they nest in wood. They can also contaminate food and surfaces with their foraging activities.
Interesting Facts:
- Acrobat ants can raise their abdomen over their head and thorax, which is a unique behavior among ants.
- They are known for their ability to emit a foul odor when threatened, which helps deter predators.
Summary:
Acrobat ants are a common pest found both indoors and outdoors. Their distinctive heart-shaped abdomen and defensive behaviors make them easy to identify. While not as destructive as some other ant species, they can still cause problems if they nest in wood structures. Proper prevention and control measures can help manage and eliminate acrobat ant infestations.
Get a Quote
"*" indicates required fields