Dark Rover Ant vs Tropical Fire Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark Rover Ant Tropical Fire Ant
Scientific Name Brachymyrmex patagonicus Solenopsis geminata
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Formicidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 2-6 mm
Habitat Underground Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Seed Feeders
Regions South America, Southern United States Pantropical
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dark Rover Ant

A tiny dark brown ant that has rapidly spread across the southern United States as an invasive species. It is attracted to electrical equipment and frequently enters buildings.

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Did You Know?

They are so small that entire colonies can nest inside electrical junction boxes and wall outlets.

Tropical Fire Ant

A pantropical fire ant with large-headed major workers specialized for seed milling. It is one of the oldest known invasive ant species, spread globally through colonial trade routes.

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Did You Know?

It was likely transported around the world in soil ballast of Spanish galleons during the 16th century.