Postpetiole in profile with large convex ventral process, on average 1.1 times longer than high (LPpI 94–120), and 0.8 times as long as petiole (PpLI 70–91). A new survey of pest ants in Florida has not been done, but at least in southeastern Florida, the white-footed ant can be added, and the status of the BHA has increased. They do best in relatively moist, disturbed habitats, thus thrive around human habitations and in cultivated land. No type specimens could be located in both of the two possible collections – the Zoological Museum of the University of Copenhagen (Fischer and Fisher (2013) - Possibly as a result of its wide distribution and local abundances, a number of subspecies and synonyms have accumulated during the nineteenth and early twentieth century.
Even so, because ants are, after all, insects, insecticidal treatments to lawns will most likely have an impact on the ant populations. Detected in southern California in 2014 (see It is widespread in south and central Florida north to St. Augustine (St. Johns Co.), but sporadic, often occurring as a huge polydomous population, for example at the Selby Gardens in Sarasota County. Similar trails might be seen on the exterior walls of structures as ants climb into attics or other natural or artificial voids. Since this ant reproduces so prolifically, and nest sites are often protected by being under objects, lawns and flowerbeds will probably need to be treated at least four to five times per year at maximum label rates.
Two of the baits tested in this experiment provided control up to about 4 weeks: Siesta (0.063 % metaflumizone) and MaxForce (0.0005% fipronil).Further testing might include baits which contain an insect growth regulator, such as Extinguish Plus (hydramethylnon 0.365%, S-methoprene 0.250%). Color variable from light to dark brown, head and gaster often darker than the rest. Like Messor barbarus, big majors can occur at Pheidole. (2015a, b) examined elements of interspecific aggression, and food resource discovery and dominance, between this species and several other highly invasive ants. This ant is predaceous and scavenging, and may attend Homoptera for honey dew.
Although Vanderwoude et al. When properties border unoccupied infested areas, often the homeowners' association will need to be contacted to arrange treatments for those areas. Frontal carinae and antennal scrobe absent. (1993), Campbell (1994), Hoffmann (1998), Wetterer (1998), Hoffmann et al. Spines short-spinose to subtriangular in profile (PSI 11–14). 2000, Deyrup 2003).
Frons and sides of head anteriorly, longitudinally rugose, interspaces superficially punctate at frons, punctate or weakly punctate at sides, with a few longer rugae ventral of eyes, posterior 2/5 of head smooth and shiny, except for two weakly to faintly developed longitudinal rugae medially and, rarely present, short, faint rugulae submedially at posterior emargination. As with all ants, the BHA has complete metamorphosis (holometabolous). Trails of foragers can often be observed along trees trunks, sometimes climbing into canopies of tall trees. (Warner et al.
BHA populations expand into neighboring areas by following along these lawn-walkway edges or roadways. Pheidole megacephala??
Gaster smooth. Well-cared-for lawns may have BHA infestations that are less noticeable, except along the edges where lawns meet walkways where piles of soil are often deposited. Description.
The commonest specimens are the small workers, with the large soldiers a minority of the ants seen; the larger queens are seldom seen but there are several to many per aggregation. Surface of promesonotum and lateropronotum mostly smooth to superficially punctate, with few faint, irregular, transverse rugulae, remainder of mesosoma weakly punctate, with smooth or superficially punctate spots between. Head as long as wide (CI 97–103), usually heart shaped with strongly convex sides and posterior emargination moderately deeply impressed. The majors are much larger (3 to 4 mm), but only constitute about 1% of foragers.
The genus first evolved in the Americas, eventually spreading across the globe. In some areas, colonies can form a "virtually continuous supercolony that excludes most other ant species" (Wilson 2003). Metafemur short (FI 114–125), metatibia with decumbent pilosity and scattered suberect longer hairs on outer edge. Foragers will quickly recruit nest mates to a food source. It has been nominated as one of the hundred "World's worst" invaders.