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Exotic Texas Ant, Paratrechina sp. near pubens
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Introduction
This ant has yet to be identified to species due to confusion regarding the taxonomy of the genus. Therefore, this ant is referred to as Paratrechina sp. nr. pubens. Research concerning the morphology and phylogenetics (Jason Meyers, Ph.D. student), for identification purposes, is ongoing. Although, there is no properly accepted common name (via the Code of Zoological Nomenclature nor the Entomological Society of America) there are a couple of common names often used for this species. The common name used most often is the Caribbean crazy ant (for Paratrechina pubens). However, here in Texas, more specifically in the Houston area, the common name often referenced is the crazy rasberry ant (for Paratrechina sp. nr. pubens).If you are a pest control operator and you suspect your client may have these ants, please contact Jason Meyers at the Center for Urban & Structural Entomology. Please send samples in sealed vials.
Special Concerns
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They have been known to short out many different types of electrical apparatuses. In some cases the ants have caused several thousand dollars in damage and remedial costs. These ants often cause great annoyance to residents and businesses. In some situations, it has become uncomfortable for residents to enjoy time in their yards. Companion animals may, in some cases, avoid the outdoors as well.
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These ants do not have stingers (unlike the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta). In place of a stinger, is an acidopore, which can excrete chemicals for defense or attack. These ants, will however, bite. This behavior seems to be rare, but in some cases they will bite, causing a relatively sharp but quickly fading pain.
Another species of Paratrechina, fulva, has caused great pestilence in rural and urban areas of Colombia. In many cases, they displaced all other ant species. Small livestock (e.g. chickens) may die of asphyxia. Larger animals, such as cattle, are attacked around eyes, nasal fossae and hooves. They have also dried grasslands due to their association with homopterans.
*Special Note: Crazy ant, P. longicornis, may in some cases create massive, but localized numbers. These species look similar but have marked differences. P. longicornis antennae and legs are significantly longer than that of P. sp. nr. pubens. P. longicornis thorax is extended in length considerably, compared to that of many other Paratrechina species. Although the use of color as an identification tool is not to be relied upon, the crazy ant is often jet black in color, especially when compared to the typically reddish-brown of P. sp. nr. puben.
Biology
Characteristics
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Coloration: reddish-brown (lightness/darkness of the color may vary)Exotic Ant Worker 
- Body 1/8 inch in length (monomorphic)
- Body has numerous long coarse hairs
- Workers have long legs and antennae
- However, not as long as the crazy ant, P. longicornis
- Workers have 12-segmented antennae with no club
- Small circle of hairs (acidopore) present at tip of the abdomen (as opposed to the typical stinger found in most ants)
- This is a characteristic of formicine ants found within the Formicinae subfamily
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Nest primarily outdoors, but will forage in homesAnts Found Under Plywood 
- Will nest under most any object that retains moisture
- They are omnivorous
- Tend homopterous insects (aphids, leaf hoppers, etc.) for honeydew (liquid with high content of sugar)
- Consume other insects, small vertebrates for protein
- Morphological description is very similar to P. pubens (often referred to as the Caribbean crazy ant, however not an accepted common name by the Entomological Society of America)
Currently, little is known regarding specific biology of this ant. Texas A&M's Center for Urban and Structural Entomologyis currently investigating food source attraction (Rachel Wynalda, M.S. student), colony growth and immature development (Jason Meyers, Ph.D. student). However, research regarding other Paratrechina species is available and may offer close approximations of this species.
Colonies are polygyne (multiple queens) with moderately sized numbers (~several hundred to few thousand). However, size of the colony can be much greater, especially when considering their unicolonial (supercolony) behavior. The colonies can be found under or within almost any object or void, including stumps, soil, concrete, rocks, potted plants, etc.
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Found in Trash Can Click to watch video |
Found in the Yard Click to watch video |
Found in Bag of Leaves Click to watch video |
P. sp. nr. pubens have been found in enormous numbers and colonies that seem to be indistinguishable from one another. P. sp. nr. pubens foraging trails are quite apparent (≤ 10cm) and individuals forage erratically, hence the typical reference to “crazy” ant. These foraging trails will often follow structural guidelines, however large trails can be found in open areas. P. sp. nr. pubens will consume honeydew produced by homopteran insects. These ants will also eat other insects and small vertebrates. No nuptial flights have been observed in the field, despite winged reproductives. This may indicate the species propagates via budding with breeding occurring at/near the edge of the nest, creating new colonies at the periphery
Distribution
This species has only been known in the state of Texas since 2002. Since that time, remarkable numbers can be found in several different locations in the surrounding area of southeast Houston, including Houston,Pasadena, Deer Park, Friendswood, San Jacinto Port, Pearland, Seabrook and La Porte. There are a few other suspected areas, however, samples have not been confirmed. It is suspected that the spread of this ant will undoubtedly reach well beyond the Houston area. This ant currently infests Brazoria, Galveston and Harris counties.
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Click one of the image above for a large version of the distribution |
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Management
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Many of the typical control tactics for other ants do not provide adequate control of this species. They are not attracted to most bait products and the one known product they are attracted to does not offer enough control. There are available treatments for this ant that offer temporary “buffer zones”. These treatments are often breeched within 2-3 months post application. However, the products involved with the treatments are not readily available to the consumer. If you suspect your house or property is infested with these ants, please call your pest control provider. When treating multiple times, piles of ant cadavers must be swept or moved out of the area of targeted treatments.