African black sugar ant

African black sugar ant


African black sugar ant, (Lepisiota incisa), is an invasive ant native to Africa. This species was previously unknown in Australia but has since been found in nine Western Australian suburbs. All known infestations are under eradication. To get more news about african black ant, you can visit herbal-hall.com official website.

Overview
The African black sugar ant (Lepisiota incisa) is one of several invasive introduced ant species in WA that have the ability to form super colonies by establishing interconnected nests with collaborative egg-laying queens. These super colonies can spread for hundreds of square kilometres.

These ants can be aggressive toward other ant species, potentially outcompeting and displacing important native ants.
Description
African black sugar ants are a shiny dark brown ant about 2–3 mm in length. The ants are covered in thick blackish bristles and there is a pronounced spine between the thorax and abdomen (these features are only visible under a hand lens or microscope).
Western Australian detections
African black sugar ants have been found in 11 Western Australian suburbs and towns. They were first discovered in Maddington in 2020, followed by detections in Welshpool, Fremantle, Wattleup, Forrestfield, Hazelmere, Maida Vale, Jandakot, Balcatta, Kenwick and Narrogin.

The African black sugar ant is a pest of national significance and all known infestations are under eradication.

Impact
African black sugar ants are highly likely to be suited to Australian conditions. They have a huge potential to establish in a wide variety of habitats, including precious, undisturbed bush areas. Once established, the aggressive behaviour and ability to produce huge super colonies of the ants may disrupt social, commercial and agricultural activities. The ant has been known to harvest plastic and infest electrical boxes and components, causing damage to infrastructure.