Paratrechina longicornis

Paratrechina longicornis

Classification
Tribe: Plagiolepidini
Subfamily: Formicinae
Family: Formicidae
Order: Hymenoptera
Common name: Crazy Black ant

These ants are characterised by their scurrying feet and the long antennae (scape extends well over the head) which gives them their species name, longicornis. They have gained a worldwide status of being a pest species. They are invasive to India. Trade and commerce has played a part in distributing these ants world all over.

Their presence is usually related to disturbance in habitats and hence these ants are distinctly absent from pristine rain forests. On the other hand they are the most conspicuous ants in urban Bangalore. Often seen raiding into kitchens and feeding on sugary products these ants are generalistic in their feeding habits. Their nesting sites are also not very specialized. Nest sites can vary from being at the crevices of rocks, cracks in walls, cracks in pavements and also in soil at the base of grasses.

Collected:
Around buildings, Bangalore, Karnataka, India (March, 2006).