A potentially problematic invasive ant species is getting attention in Texas, and experts say residents should be aware of what it looks like and where it might show up.
The Asian needle ant has been in the United States since the early 1930s, but as its population spreads into new regions, concerns about its painful sting and its impact on local ecosystems are growing.
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“It’s important to be aware of this new invader, but we need to learn more,” said Scott Egan, an associate professor of biosciences at Rice University who studies insect diversity. “They’ve been in the U.S. for decades, but we’re still learning how they affect different environments, including here in Texas.”
Asian needle ants are long and slender, about 0.2 inches in length, larger than sugar ants but smaller than carpenter ants.
Egan said they have a shiny dark brown or black appearance with lighter brown to orange legs and mandibles. Still, he noted it can be difficult to distinguish them from other ants without an expert.
“To the naked eye, it would be challenging to tell this ant apart from the many other native and non-native ants in our region,” Egan explained.
While they aren’t as aggressive as the infamous fire ant, Asian needle ants are capable of stinging.
“It is reported that it can be painful, and some people may have an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis,” Egan said. “That’s something that should be addressed by a medical or veterinary professional.”
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The ant prefers moist, damp areas and has been found in a variety of environments, from forests and parks to dead logs and even inside sprinkler systems and sidewalk cracks.
“Reportedly, this species nests in rotting logs, leaf litter, beneath rocks, and loose soil, but they’ll also take up space in man-made structures,” Egan said.
Their arrival isn’t just a concern for humans. These ants can disrupt native ant populations, which play a vital role in maintaining local ecosystems.
“They have been documented to exclude or outcompete native ants,” Egan said. “That’s problematic because native ants are important seed dispersers for native plants. When you lose them, it can have a cascading effect on the entire environment.”
While sightings in Texas remain relatively limited, Egan urges residents to stay aware and document any unusual ant activity.
“Folks in places like North Carolina have dealt with this species for almost a century,” he said. “Here in Texas, we’re just starting to understand how it fits into our local ecosystems.”
Ongoing research at Rice University is helping to track ant diversity across the state. Egan noted that his colleague, Dr. Scott Solomon, is actively studying native and invasive ant populations in the Big Thicket, examining how they interact with one another and their environments.
“The arrival of invasive species like the Asian needle ant reminds us how interconnected and fragile our ecosystems can be,” Egan said.