Tawny Crazy Ant vs Fiji Tree Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tawny Crazy Ant Fiji Tree Ant
Scientific Name Nylanderia fulva Paraparatrechina oceanica
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Formicidae
Size 2-3 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Forests
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions South America, Southern United States Oceania (Fiji)
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Tawny Crazy Ant

A small reddish-brown ant that forms enormous supercolonies and is displacing fire ants in the southern United States. They are attracted to electrical equipment and often cause short circuits.

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Did You Know?

They coat themselves in formic acid as an antidote after being stung by fire ants, a unique detoxification behavior.

Fiji Tree Ant

A native ant species found in tropical forests of Fiji, where it nests in tree cavities and under bark. Pacific Island ant faunas are relatively depauperate compared to continental regions. This species plays a role in seed dispersal and nutrient cycling.

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Did You Know?

Fiji's native ant fauna evolved in near-total isolation, resulting in a unique community that is now threatened by invasive ant species.