Pavement ant

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iPavement ant
A small pavement ant, magnified 60X. The spine on the back and the two nodes on the petiole are visible in the bottom-right corner.
A small pavement ant, magnified 60X. The spine on the back and the two nodes on the petiole are visible in the bottom-right corner.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Suborder: Apocrita
Superfamily: Vespoidea
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Myrmicinae
Tribe: Tetramoriini
Genus: Tetramorium
Species: Tetramorium caespitum

A pavement ant (Tetramorium caespitum) is a common household pest. Their name comes from the fact that they usually make their homes in pavement. They are distinguished by two spines on the back, two nodes on the petiole, and grooves on the head and thorax. The pavement ant is common in the Eastern U.S..

[edit] Facts and Trivia

The National Pest Management Association offers the following information on pavement ants:

Color: Dark brown to blackish

Legs: 6

Shape: Segmented; oval

Size: 1/8"

Antennae: Yes

Habits: These ants will eat almost anything, including insects, seeds, honeydew, honey, bread, meats, nuts and cheese.

Threats: These ants do not pose a public health risk, but they can contaminate food and should be avoided.

[edit] References

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