Thief Ant
ExploreInsects
Thief Ant
Solenopsis molesta
Thief ants are tiny yellow ants that like to steal food from other ants. They are sneaky and hard to spot!
Habitat: Gardens and homes
Appearance
The Thief Ant is a tiny, shiny insect, ranging from yellow to light brown. It is distinguished by its very small size, usually only 1.5-2.5 mm long, making it one of the smallest ant species.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyFormicidaeGenusSolenopsis
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Queens can live for years, laying thousands of eggs in their lifetime!
Some people call them "grease ants" because they really love fatty foods!
Their super small size lets them sneak into almost any food container!
They often build their tiny nests within the walls of other ant colonies!
Special abilities
Ability
Master Thief
Thief Ant can raid other ant nests to steal their food and young because of its tiny size, helping it be a sneaky predator.
Ability
Super Shrink
Thief Ant has an incredibly small body that helps it squeeze through tiny cracks and hide in unseen places.
Ability
Chemical Commander
Thief Ant can lay invisible scent trails because of its special glands, helping its colony find food and new homes.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 1.5-2.5 mm
- Lifespan
- 60-180 days
- Leg Count
- 6
- Colony Size
- 50000
Diet & Feeding
Thief Ants are tiny scavengers that will eat almost anything, especially oily, fatty, and sugary foods!
Primary Foods
- grease
- meat
- cheese
- sweets
- dead insects
- ant larvae
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
Black Garden Ant
Lasius niger
Raids nests to steal larvae and pupae.
hunts
Black Carpenter Ant
Camponotus pennsylvanicus
Invades large colonies for food resources.
hunts
Red Imported Fire Ant
Solenopsis invicta
Sometimes found raiding the nests of fire ants.
eaten by
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Sparrows will opportunistically eat foraging ants.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Sugar Ant
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Thief Ant?
1.5-2.5 mm
How long does Thief Ant live?
60-180 days
What does Thief Ant eat?
Thief Ants are tiny scavengers that will eat almost anything, especially oily, fatty, and sugary foods!
Where is Thief Ant usually found?
Gardens and homes
How does Thief Ant hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Thief Ant have?
6
How large are Thief Ant colonies?
50000
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