Exotic Ants in the Territory 
What are exotic ants?
There are several exotic ants in Australia. These species are not native to Australia. Exotic ants are usually transported accidentally in pot plants or other soil products, but will also nest in wood products and other small spaces.
Some exotic ants possess a number of characteristics that make them particularly invasive. Some of these characteristics include:
- small size – exotic ants often have small workers.
- large colony sizes – this allows them to swarm around other ants, pulling on their legs and antenna.
- high levels of aggression towards other ants, insects and even small animals – often, exotic ants will attack other species, causing this other species to leave the area to avoid more conflict.
- Association with disturbed conditions – exotic ants are generally located in areas close to humans, where they are provided with an abundance of food, moisture and shelter.
Some of the environmentally and economically significant exotic ants in Australia include the Red Imported Fire Ant (this is not in the NT), the Electric Ant (this is not in the NT), the Ginger ant (NT), the Yellow crazy ant (NT), the Big-headed ant (NT), and the Argentine ant (not in the NT)
Why are native ants important?
Native ants play a very important role in the natural ecosystem. Many native Australian plants have evolved seeds with a fleshy appendage, called an elaiosome, which is attractive to ants. Native ants collect the seeds from off the soil surface and carry them to their nests where they eat the elaiosome. The benefit for the seed is that it has been transported underground, where it is protected from predation by animals, fire and harsh environmental conditions. The seed is then able to germinate when conditions are favourable.
Native ants also have other benefits for our natural environment, including:
- Aerating the soil (through nesting),
- Adding nutrients to the soil (when they take food back to their nests),
- Assisting nutrient cycling (by removing and breaking down organic matter so that it is making it available to other animals and plants).
What are the impacts of exotic ants?
Exotic ants are a major problem worldwide because they compete with native ants for food and habitat, they prey on other native invertebrates (including grasshoppers, butterflies, beetles, bugs, etc.) and some species will also prey on young native vertebrates (such as young birds in nests, reptiles).
These ants also often have a vicious sting, which causes considerable problems for agricultural and horticultural properties.
In many locations, the exotic ants have completely displaced the native ants, which affects seed dispersal and other ecosystem functions.
What can you do?
It is difficult to manage exotic ant species once they are established. For this reason, the best means of containing exotic ants is through prevention, rather than managing the problem once it has arrived. To prevent further spread of exotic ants:
- Always have your luggage and goods checked by customs when you return from overseas travel.
- Do not move soils and pot plants to other areas, as the soil may contain ant nests.
- Clean machinery before moving it long distances. The dried soil that is often seen on equipment and machinery may contain ant colonies.
