The yellow crazy ant is a highly aggressive ant species that has been linked with declines in invertebrates, vertebrates through competition and predation. It also has a negative affect on plant communities because it consumes seeds, leading to poor germination rates.

Yellow crazy ants have also been observed removing the nectar of plants, making it unavailable for native species.

Brian Thistleton

Big-headed Ant
Pheidole megacephala

Like many other exotic ant species, the big-headed ant competes with and preys on native vertebrates and invertebrates. This species will also consume seeds, leading to poor germination. This species has been reported to tend scale insects, resulting in significant declines in agricultural productivity.

Alex Wild 2004

Ginger Ant
Solenopsis geminata

Ginger ants have been found to prey on native invertebrates as well as young birds and reptiles.

This species also affects plants by eating seeds, which subsequently damages the seed and results in poor germination rates.

A single ginger ant can sting repeatedly and will continue to do so even after their venom sac has been depleted. In some people, the sting may cause a severe, allergic reaction.

Entomology Section, DPIFM

Argentine ant
Linepithema humile

The Argentine Ant prefers cooler climates, so if it invaded the Northern Territory, it is likely to be restricted to the southern areas of the Northern Territory. This species has been associated with reduced diversities and abundances of native ants and other invertebrates, primarily because they compete with these species for food and resources. Argentine ants are poor seed dispersers, which means that in their introduced range, the plant community may be seriously affected due to the loss of native ant species.

Argentine ants will also consume the nectar of native plants, making it unavailable to native insects and other pollinators.

Alex Wild 2005

Electric Ant
Wasmannia auropunctata

This species is not yet present in the Northern Territory. However, in other locations, declines in the diversity and abundances of invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants has been attributed to competition and predation by the electric ant. In addition, this species tends scale insects, which may have significant effects on agricultural productivity.

This species has a nasty sting.

Alex Wild 2007

Red Imported Fire Ant
Solenopsis invicta

The Red-imported fire ant is not established in the Northern Territory, but is a significant threat because it prefers tropical conditions. The presence of fire ants has been linked with declines in invertebrates, vertebrates, and seed production because this species is highly aggressive and competitive, swarming over native insects, birds, reptiles and other fauna.

This species has a nasty sting and will sting repeatedly.

Alex Wild