Green Ant

Rhytidoponera metallica

Characteristics

The green ant is a prevalent ant species throughout Australia and is known for its territorial and aggressive behaviour. Its sting is notorious for causing significant pain and may result in a severe allergic reaction in some individuals. The green ant can be identified by its green head with an iridescent sheen and blackish body colour. Despite measuring only 5mm to 7mm in length, the green ant is considered smaller than other ant species. Interestingly, the green ant queens have a similar appearance to the workers.

Habitat

Green ants are capable of rapidly colonising disturbed areas, making them more prevalent in urban settings. They are commonly found in lawns, bushy areas, and under rocks or logs. Due to their preference for the outdoors, they seldom infest houses, and they tend to search for food during the day. It is noteworthy that the green ant is one of the few insects that continue to forage even after a bushfire.

Lifecycle

Green ants have a unique way of producing colonies, as they do not rely on queens to reproduce. Instead, worker ants mate and continue the growth stages until they reach adulthood and become foragers. Green ant colonies have a long lifespan of up to eight years, and they can be quite large, with up to 150 nests and nearly half a million ants.

Can green ants cause harm?

Green ants can sting, and they can sting you multiple times. This may cause swelling and pain in the bitten area, and in some cases, an allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock may also occur.

What are the signs of green ant infestation?

Regular signs of green ants include seeing dark food trails on grass and unexplained bits of sugar or crumbs left behind on garden tables and chairs. You might also notice their eggs which are tiny white pellets that actually look like flour under logs.

How long does it take for a green ant colony to start a nest in my home?

It all depends on its food source. Some colonies can infiltrate a property within a matter of days, but others may need weeks or even months to make their way inside. Once established, their nests usually expand throughout the year, especially during the warmer months. Home owners may not even realize that they have an infestation until the green ants are already well-established in the home.

Where are the nests of green ants usually located?

Nests of green ants are usually located in lawns and gardens, under logs and stones, or in cracks on the ground. If you suspect that you have a green ant infestation, it’s best to call us for expert assistance, fast!

Green-Headed Ant

Rhytidoponera metallica

Key Information

Distribution

Australia Wide

Typical nest location

Typically, you can find them outside in lawns or beneath rocks and logs, and they usually have one or two openings.

Outdoor / Indoor pest

Outdoors in lawns

Distinguishing features
/ Important Points

Green Ants have a distinct, iridescent sheen to their appearance. They tend to forage during sunny conditions, and their queens have a similar appearance to the workers and also participate in foraging activities.

Colony structure

Single Nest

Multi-Queen

Diet Preference

Omnivore preference for protein

Safety Concerns

Very painful sting, which can cause a severe allergic reaction in some people.

Green Ant

Effective Green Ant treatment solutions

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Green Ant

Effective Green Ant treatment solutions

Call 0431 622 919 for a FREE quote

Green Ant

Characteristics

Habitat

Lifecycle

FAQs About Green Ant

Can green ants cause harm?

What are the signs of green ant infestation?

How long does it take for a green ant colony to start a nest in my home?

Where are the nests of green ants usually located?

Key Information

Your pest problem solved fast

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Call 02 4932 8939 for a FREE quote

Call 02 4932 8939 for a FREE quote