Order: Hymenoptera

Family: Formicidae

Acrobat Ants get their name because much like a gymnast, they are quite flexible. When disturbed, they will raise their abdomen over their head.

Description: Acrobat Ants range in size from approximately 1/16 to 1/8 inch long. They can be multicolored, but generally are light brown to black. A stinger is present. The workers of this ant species will emit an offensive odor when they are alarmed.

Biology: This structure-infesting species nests in medium to large sized colonies. Acrobat Ants build carton sheds to protect and cover their brood. They generally swarm from mid-June to late September.

Habits: Much like Carpenter Ants, Acrobat ants favor nesting in wood that has high moisture content and is subject to decay. As the colony grows and requires more space, their nest can expand to sound wood, insulation, and/or wall voids. Acrobat ants feed on insect honeydew, and they will tend or "herd" mealybugs on which they feed.