Exotic invasive ants
Exotic invasive ants include several species from around the globe that have arrived in Australia as hitchhikers.
They rely on people for their transport and spread by movement of machinery, equipment or other goods.
See the National Invasive Ant Biosecurity Plan 2018-2028 for more information.
Common characteristics
The world's most invasive ant species are all:
- omnivorous – will eat both plant and animal food sources
- opportunistic nesters and may have a large number of reproductive queens, extending over large areas
- found living in human environments but may move into natural environments
- aggressive towards other ant species
- responsible for disrupting native species and potentially ecosystems.
Ant species threatening Australia
Not yet present
Not yet present
These species are a high priority for surveillance are not present in Australia:
- Asian needle ant (Brachyponera chinensis)
- black imported fire ant (Solenopsis richteri)
- carpenter ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus)
- European fire ant (Myrmica rubra)
- invasive garden ant (Lasius neglectus)
- Japanese pavement ant (Tetramorium tsushimae)
- odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile)
- tawny crazy ant or rasberry ant (Nylanderia fulva)
- white-footed ant, about 100 species (Technomyrmex), excluding Te. difficilis and Te. vitensis that are already established in Australia.
Under national eradication
Under national eradication
These species are present in parts of Australia and managed under official containment or eradication programs:
- African black sugar ant (Lepisiota incisa)
- browsing ant (Lepisiota frauenfeldi)
- electric ant or little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata)
- red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta).
Established
Established
These species are either in discrete locations or widespread in Australia:
- Argentine ant (Linepithema humile)
- coastal brown ant or African big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala)
- tropical fire ant or ginger ant (Solenopsis geminata)
- yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes).
There are other exotic ants established in Australia that are not known to be invasive or causing problems.
Importing goods into SA
If you import the following goods into South Australia, you could be bringing in unwanted exotic ants:
- containerised plants
- potting media or soil
- organic mulch, turf, hay, straw
- agriculture machinery or used containers.
See the Plant Quarantine Standard (PQS) to find out if any conditions of entry apply to your imports.
Growers and home gardeners
Moving items such as pot plants out of your backyard, is an easy way for invasive ants to move to new locations. Always check these items if you are in an area that has exotic invasive ant populations.