White-footed ant
Technomyrmex is a genus of ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae. With 98 species, it is one of the largest and most diverse ant genera in the Dolichoderinae.
Background
The genus is distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical zones, with most species occurring in the Oriental-Malesian and Afrotropical regions.
Technomyrmex albipes is an invasive ant species widespread throughout the tropics due to human activities. Its identification requires expert examination as there are several similar species.
Many specimens, which are already established in Australia, were previously identified as Technomyrmex albipes. These have subsequently been reidentified as:
- Technomyrmex difficilis (difficult white-footed ant)
- Technomyrmex vitiensis (Fijian white-footed ant).
Impacts
White-footed ants infest both urban and rural habitats. They spread through commerce, to areas such as nursery stock and shipping containers.
Identification
The pointed abdomen of white-footed ants is distinctive. The lower half of their legs is contrastingly light compared to the rest of their body.
Habitat
Preferred nesting sites are near moisture and food sources that also provide protection from predators and harsh environmental conditions.
Outdoors, this type of ant likes to nest in moist microenvironments, including under loose bark or rocks, in decaying tree trunks and branches, and in old termite galleries.
In homes, white-footed ants can be found nesting in wall voids, attics, under roof shingles, around skylights, and in kitchens and bathrooms. They search in long trails for water.
