Northern Ohio. Counties: Cuyahoga (Cleveland, 27.x.2005 [KI 1176], 15.xi.2005 [KI 1177], and 01.iii.2015 [observed, not coll.], same locality, leg. K. Ivanov, in a greenhouse) and an unspecified Ohio record in Arnett (1993), (Fig. 1).

Figure 1. 

Distribution of L. humile (1), T. melanocephalum (2), N. flavipes (3), and P. longicornis (4) in Ohio.

Indoors, in greenhouses and conservatories.

The Paraná River drainage basin of South America.

The Argentine ant is amongst the world’s most successful invasive species and is a nuisance everywhere it occurs. It is established primarily in regions with Mediterranean climate where it has been shown to have profound negative impacts on native biota (Suarez et al. 1998; Touyama et al. 2003). Workers of this genus can be identified by their broadly concave clypeus and the peculiar mandibular dentition arranged in a series of small denticles interspersed with larger single teeth. In the Northeast L. humile can be separated from the superficially similar Tapinoma by the presence of a well-developed petiolar scale and the vertical orientation of the first gastral segment which does not project over the petiole.

This cosmopolitan species often thrives in disturbed habitats with abundant moisture. Nests are most often in soil, but also under cover objects, refuse piles and more rarely under tree bark. The main dietary component is honeydew from hemipterans, although these ants will also take other sweet substances including household food items, and occasionally will feed on insects (Smith 1965).

Throughout its introduced range Argentine ant colonies are polygynous with pronounced unicoloniality (i.e., the formation of large colonies with multiple nests). A key attribute to the ecological success of this species thus is the absence of intraspecific aggression within the large colony (Tsutsui and Case 2001). These characteristics give argentine ant colonies remarkable capacity to expand, and populations can reach extremely large sizes and cover extensive geographic areas to the detriment of other, less populous, species (Giraud et al. 2002).

Ohio’s only confirmed record of this species comes from a greenhouse in Cleveland where I have observed large numbers of ground foragers on paved surfaces, exposed soil, and on tropical plant debris on the ground. In many cases foragers were accumulating around sugar syrup stations, banana, apple and other fruit pieces used for feeding tropical butterflies. Due to logistical limitations, I was not able to conduct nest searches at this location. The very high worker densities observed, however, suggest that this species now has well-established indoor colonies at this site. At present, this species can survive in the north only in heated buildings, where occasionally it can be a persistent and troublesome pest.

Widespread in Ohio. Counties: Butler (material examined: Oxford, Miami University, Belk Greenhouse, 25.ii.2014, leg. S. Mays), Cuyahoga (material examined: Cleveland, 07.ii.2008, leg. K. Ivanov, and 04.iii.2008, leg. B. Poynter, same locality, in an animal care zoo facility), and Franklin (photographs examined: Columbus 25–29.ii.2008, photos by S. Heideman, in a conservatory), (Fig. 1).

Indoors, abundant in greenhouses, conservatories and zoo buildings.

Indo-Pacific.

This widely distributed tramp species is more prevalent in disturbed areas but also has been encountered in natural habitats in its introduced range (Wetterer 2009 and references therein). Unlike many other exotic ants, this species can be distinguished easily by its minute size, peculiar coloration (Fig. 2), and the rapid, erratic movements when disturbed.

Figure 2. 

Tapinoma melanocephalum workers from a conservatory in Franklin Co. (Photo: S. Heideman).

Colonies are moderate to large in size, and polygynous, with queens distributed in multiple nests. Additional features characteristic of this ant include unicoloniality, intranidal mating, and colony formation via budding (Bustos and Cherix 1998). Ghost ants are opportunistic nesters, usually in disturbed areas, and frequently relocate their nests (Wetterer 2009). Inside buildings, nests can be found in flowerpots, in small cracks and crevices, beneath baseboards, and in wall spaces (Klotz et al. 2008).

Where it occurs this ant is a major nuisance pest, both indoors and outdoors, that tends mealybugs and scale insects and scavenges for dead insects and food scraps (Smith 1965). The ghost ant is confined to greenhouses and other heated buildings in northerly states, which provide the high temperature and environmental humidity needed for the survival of this tropical species. According to Wetterer (2009), at latitudes greater than 30° this species is largely restricted to living inside buildings.

I have only seen this species at a single animal care facility in the greater Cleveland area where I observed multiple nests in wall spaces and crevices. In addition, numerous foragers were noted near and at reptile feeding stations. In Ohio, this ant is a known conservatory and zoo pest, likely distributed via potted plants or animal feed. Unpublished observations suggest that this ant has been present in the state since at least the early 2000s (B. Poynter and M. Vincent pers. communication).

Northern Ohio. Counties: Cuyahoga (material examined: Cleveland Heights, 12–14.x.2004 and 22–24.x.2004, leg. H. Clebsch, yellow pan traps in residential area; Cleveland, 19.v.2013 [KI 2319] and 23.iv.2014 [KI 2345], leg. K. Ivanov, in a greenhouse; Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, main campus, 17.v.2015, leg. A. Perez, pitfall trap, mulch bed adjacent to a concrete path; Shaker Heights, Doan Brook Gorge, multiple records since original discovery in 2005 with last collection event on 06.v.2014 [KI 2346], leg. K. Ivanov, hand collecting, Winkler litter extraction, and baiting in open woodlands; Euclid Creek Reservation, Wildwood Park, 16.ix.2014 [KI 2348], leg. K. Ivanov, open woodland), Franklin (Columbus 17.viii.2015, leg. A. Perez, Winkler litter extraction, flower bed adjacent to public library), Lake (material examined: Kirtland, multiple records from July and August 2009 and 2010, leg. T. Webster, suburban lawn) and Lucas (Uno et al. 2010), (Fig. 1).

This species is abundant in urban and suburban areas including forested green spaces, gardens, yards and vacant lots. It is also found indoors, in conservatories.

Temperate Asia.

This temperate formicine was first reported for Ohio based on material collected at the Doan Brooke Gorge of Shaker Heights in July 2005 (Ivanov and Milligan 2008). Previously unknown material collected via yellow pan traps extends the first known date for Ohio to mid-October 2004 (leg. H. Clebsch). This species has well-established reproducing populations in, at least, northeastern Ohio where I first observed mating leks in July 2005. More recently, colonies containing alate reproductives were collected in May 2014 at the Doan Brook Gorge of Shaker Heights. This species can be relatively easily distinguished by its small size, the presence of paired macrochaetae on the mesosomal dorsum, the indistinct but visible ocelli, and the yellowish color of the antennae, mesosoma and legs.

This is a monogynous species that frequently develops polydomous colonies (Ichinose 1986). While quite common in its native range, this opportunistic species has not been reported as a pest, or as an ecologically dominant species, in its introduced range although data largely are lacking. Observed impacts have been mostly anecdotal and related to the disappearance of the ecologically similar native Nylanderia faisonensis (Forel, 1922) along the east coast of the US. New data (Ivanov et al. 2011) seem to contradict earlier views regarding the inconspicuous incorporation of this ant into local ant communities. See Ivanov and Milligan (2008) and Ivanov et al. (2011) for additional ecological data and natural history notes.

In Ohio I have observed and collected this species in a variety of different situations including urban woodlots, residential lawns, flower gardens, on concrete/pavement, as well as inside a greenhouse where I have seen foragers on Oncidium flowers. In all outdoor situations nests were in the soil, and were rather small and inconspicuous. Colonies most often were found under small rocks and less frequently under bark and tree limbs on the ground. On few occasions, workers readily came and took tuna in oil placed in open, rather degraded, mesic urban woodlots. Nylanderia flavipes maintained high abundance at the baits in the absence of native ants. However, when baits were discovered by native species, N. flavipes workers were displaced quickly. Our observations suggest that this species does not engage in aggressive interactions with native ants, and does not recruit to defend food resources.

Southern Ohio. Counties: Hamilton (Hedges 1998), (Fig. 1).

Ohio’s single record is from a warehouse in Cincinnati, although this species is undoubtedly more widespread in the state where it should be sought after in heated buildings.

Southeast Asia or Melanesia.

Along with Monomorium pharaonis and Tapinoma melanocephalum, this is one the most widespread tramp ant species and perhaps the most widespread ant in the world (Wetterer 2008). It is found throughout the Old and the New Worlds where it appears to be a specialist of disturbed and degraded habitats, seemingly absent from undisturbed natural settings. This species can be identified on sight and relatively easily distinguished from other ant species by its erratic movements and the extraordinarily elongated scapes, head, and tibiae.

Longhorn crazy ants are highly adaptable and exhibit pronounced ability to survive even in extremely anthropogenically modified environments including nesting sites with very low humidity (Trager 1984). Nests are usually under cover objects, under dry litter and mulch, in rotten wood, less often in plant cavities, under refuse and debris piles, as well as in wall gaps inside buildings (Smith 1965). Colonies are moderate to large, polygynous, and occupy temporary nests which are highly mobile (Trager 1984). Workers are omnivorous, feeding on live and dead invertebrates, small seeds, fruits, honeydew, and a variety of household food items (Smith 1965).

A contributing factor to the colonizing success of this species is its mode of reproduction with lack of nuptial flights. Wings of queens are removed while still callow. Dealate queens and winged males usually gather around the nest entrance, where mating occurs (Trager 1984). A process known as double cloning allows members of this species to mate with their siblings without exhibiting any of the negative effects associated with inbreeding (Pearcy et al. 2011).

This species is a known household and garden pest across tropical and subtropical areas, where it can also attain a significant agricultural pest status via its symbiotic relationships with sap feeding Hemiptera (Wetterer 2008). It has become established in temperate localities by living in buildings and other man-made structures.

Single record from southern Ohio. Counties: Hamilton (material examined: Cincinnati, 27-28.vii.2008, leg. R. Gibson and M. Gates, in a conservatory), (Fig. 3).

Figure 3. 

Distribution of C. obscurior (5), M. pharaonis (6), P. bilimeki (7), T. atratulum (8), and H. ragusai (9) in Ohio.

Indoors, in a conservatory.

Australasia.

This is an Old World genus of small, omnivorous ants that contains several cosmopolitan tramp species (Seifert 2003). Whereas most invasive and pest ants readily make themselves apparent, the presence of these minute ants in a given area often can remain undetected. Cardiocondyla obscurior is a species with well-known dispersal ability that has established populations in many parts of the world (Heinze et al. 2006). Individuals are readily distinguished by their swollen, heart-shaped postpetiole and the lack of erect hairs on the body (Fig. 4).

Figure 4. 

Lateral view of Cardiocondyla obscurior worker (www.antweb.org, specimen CASENT0103429, photo: A. Nobile).

This is a species with arboreal nesting habits and its small colonies (usually <500 individuals) are typically located in nest cavities on low (2–5m) vegetation, or in folded leaves above ground. Similar to many other ants with small colonies, workers of this species do not defend foraging areas or food resources thus colonies can reach very high densities (Heinze et al. 2006). The members of this genus are ecologically subordinate and avoid competition with larger and more aggressive ants. As such they are among the few ants that can coexist with known invasives such as the Argentine ant (Carpintero et al. 2004).

It appears that colonies of all tramp Cardiocondyla species are polygynous and new colonies are formed via budding (Seifert 2003). In at least Cardiocondyla obscurior, enhanced propagation rates have been attributed to this species’ ability to develop complete and fully functional colonies from very small colony fragments (Heinze et al. 2006). Given the small size of both workers and colonies of this species, such fragments can be easily transported to new localities in small samples of soil or plant material. Unusual among ants, species of this genus have long-lived ergatoid males (in addition to winged males) which usually stay and mate in their natal nests (intranidal mating) resulting in rigorous competition for virgin queens even among closely related males (Seifert 2003).

Due to their small colony size, and the fact that workers forage mostly solitary, members of Cardiocondyla are generally not considered pest species (Heinze et al. 2006). This tropical tramp species can survive in Ohio only in heated buildings.

Widespread in Ohio. Counties: Cuyahoga (material examined: Cleveland, iii.2007, leg. J.B. Keiper, inside a building, CMNH; also in Headley 1943), Delaware, Franklin (M.R. Smith material in the Ohio State University collection; in Wetterer 2010), Greene and Wayne (see Coovert 2005 and references therein for all listed counties), (Fig. 3).

Indoors, in heated buildings.

Asia.

The pharaoh ant is arguably one of the world’s most widespread house-infesting ants and there is a large body of literature on the pest status of this species. According to Wetterer (2010) this ant is by far the most common species encountered indoors in both North America and in Europe. In tropical and subtropical regions it occurs both indoors and in natural settings, although it is rarely collected outdoors in most parts of the world (Wetterer 2010). Members of the genus Monomorium can be identified by their minute size, 12 segmented antennae with a three segmented club, and the dorsally smooth unarmed propodeum. Workers of Monomorium pharaonis can be separated from other Monomorium species by the densely punctate head and thorax, the yellowish body color, and the often infuscated posterior portion of the gaster.

Like other tramp species Monomorium pharaonis possesses features that facilitate its transport and establishment including highly polygynous and extensively polydomous colonies with little intercolony aggression (Passera 1994). A major contributing factor to the invasiveness of this ant is the formation of daughter colonies via fragmentation of the main nest. Newly formed nests remain in contact with the natal nest and may continue to exchange individuals after budding (Buczkowski and Bennett 2009). This results in large polydomous colonies that can quickly monopolize available resources. Inside buildings pharaoh ants breed continuously throughout the year. Mating occurs in the nest and no mating flights have been observed in this species (Passera 1994). In temperate areas nests are located exclusively inside buildings including wall spaces and foundations, under floors, in potted plants, around household items and in furniture. Workers are omnivorous and form pronounced foraging trails. They scavenge for both dead and live insects, as well as household food items, often exhibiting marked fondness for fats and meats (Smith 1965, Collingwood 1979).

In northern temperate regions, this small ant is highly synanthropic and depends on humans for food and shelter (Buczkowski and Bennett 2009). In Ohio, it is known only from people’s homes and other heated buildings. In hospitals, this species can be a major nuisance and a serious health threat due to its ability to spread pathogenic bacteria onto sterile equipment and supplies (Beatson 1972).

Single record from south-central Ohio. Counties: Franklin (Coovert 2005), (Fig. 3).

Indoors. The single Ohio record was discovered in a greenhouse in Franklin Co.

Neotropics.

This is a synanthropic species with pronounced tolerance to disturbed habitats.

Longino and Cox (2009) and Sarnat et al. (2015) provide the most relevant and up to date treatment of this species and its close relatives. This species can be easily confused with members of the Pheidole punctatissima clade (P. anastasii Emery, 1896; P. punctatissima Mayr, 1870) as well as with members of the Pheidole flavens complex (Economo et al. 2015; Sarnat et al. 2015). In the southeastern United States, where outdoor colonies of this species can be found, it has often been misidentified as Pheidole floridana Emery, 1895. According to Sarnat et al. (2015), the latter often results from the misapplication of the name P. floridana to collections of North American P. bilimeki. Identification of this species is difficult but the following characteristics may be useful in separating it from other closely related species: antennal scapes relatively short, head margin somewhat flattened posteriorly, anterior half of first gastral tergite foveolate and opaque, body color brown and only occasionally yellow-brown. In addition, it can be separated from the closely related P. anastasii by its preference for open, disturbed habitats (see Longino and Cox 2009; Sarnat et al. 2015 for additional information).

According to Longino and Cox (2009), this is an abundant species of open areas regularly found in recently, or frequently, disturbed habitats in its native range. Although it is often associated with anthropogenically altered areas and can be common along roadsides, it is also an abundant house pest. This ant is highly adaptable in its nest site preferences with nests located in dead rotten wood (including fence posts) and under stones. In Costa Rica Longino and Cox (2009) have observed this species in a variety of forested lowland and montane habitats. According to Wilson (2003; as Pheidole floridana) this species nests in soil, leaf-litter, and rotten wood in both xeric and mesic woodland habitats with colonies being monogynous and sometimes polydomous. In his account of the biology of Pheidole bilimeki (as Pheidole anastasii) in Florida Naves (1985) reports that this ant most often nests under the bark at the base, or along the roots, of pines, and only rarely in the soil. The observed colonies were monogynous and contained 600 workers. Naves (1985) also reports that P. bilimeki feeds on seeds, fruits, dead insects, and also preys on small live arthropods.

This species has a history of human-mediated dispersal, which is not surprising given its abundance and synanthropic habitat preferences. In northern regions, both in North America and in Europe, this species occasionally is found in greenhouses, and other heated buildings (Sarnat et al. 2015).

Records from western and northeastern Ohio. Counties: Ashtabula (material examined: North Kingsville Sand Barrens, 20.vii.–11.viii.2007, leg. T. Pucci., Malaise trap, CMNH); Cuyahoga (material examined: Cleveland, Cleveland State University, main campus, 10.v.2007 [KI 1730], leg. K. Ivanov), Geauga (material examined: Observatory Park, 20.viii.2010, leg. E. Neff, CMNH), and Shelby (Coovert 2005 as Anergates atratulus (Schenck, 1852)), (Fig. 3).

Along with host Tetramorium caespitum (see habitat description below).

Europe.

This workerless inquiline social parasite is rarely observed and collected in both its native and introduced ranges, presumably because of its parasitic lifestyle or simply because it is indeed rare. This species’ known distribution includes Europe and North America broadly following that of its host Tetramorium caespitum. In North America it is mostly found in the eastern part of the continent (Dash and Sanchez 2009). The pupoid wingless males are found only inside the host nests while the queens can be easily recognized by their small size and the unique, conspicuous median longitudinal depression on the dorsal surface of the gaster (Fisher and Cover 2007).

Colonies consist of males and females that live with their hosts on which they rely for work and food. Unlike many other obligate social parasites, queens of this species are adopted by queen-less host colonies (Buschinger 2009). As such every parasitized colony has a limited lifespan determined by the lifespan of the youngest host members present. See Wheeler (1908) and Francoeur and Pilon (2011) for excellent natural history notes and images.

My only encounter with this species in Ohio was in downtown Cleveland in early May 2007 when my attention was attracted by a single dealate queen which was swiftly running on the soil surface exploring exposed entrances to what later turned out to be Tetramorium cf. caespitum colonies. I was unable to observe any interactions between the two species in the short period of time before I collected the specimen. The location where this observation occurred is urban and heavily dominated by impervious surfaces, including pavement and mowed grass, interspersed with a multitude of non-native flowering plants and few scattered crab apples (Malus sp.), serviceberries (Amelanchier sp.), and tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera L.).

Statewide in Ohio. Counties: Listed for 74 of Ohio’s 88 counties in Coovert (2005); Geauga (material examined: multiple records from well-separated localities within the county [KI 1206, 1219, 1261, 1281, 1322, 1351, 1356, 1375, 1411, 1427, 1454, 1509, 1601, 1986], leg. K. Ivanov)

Along roadsides, in cracks in driveways, pavement and roads, under rocks and logs in open woodlands and wood edges, in grassy fields and many disturbed areas. Also in gardens, lawns and inside residences.

Europe.

A temperate species commonly found in urban habitats and adjacent natural settings in Ohio. Tetramorium cf. caespitum has been continuously documented in the state since its first discovery and undoubtedly occurs in all of Ohio’s counties. In North America this species has been reported as an agricultural pest, and shown to expand into natural habitats where it displaces native ants (Steiner et al. 2008 and references therein). Despite its wide ranging distribution it is relatively unstudied especially in its native habitats. This is a dark brown to black ant that can be identified by its 12 segmented antennae, the lateral portion of the clypeus which is raised into a sharp ridge anterior to the antennal insertion, the presence of abundant unbranched hairs on the mesosomal dorsum, and the regular longitudinal rugulation on the head behind the eyes. The East Asian Tetramorium tshushimae Emery, 1925 (known from Missouri and Illinois; Steiner et al. 2006) is smaller and typically has light colored individuals in addition to dark ones.

Pavement ant colonies are large to very large and usually monogynous. Nests are initiated by a single reproductive queen that carries out reproduction for the lifespan of the colony. In North America nuptial flights most commonly occur in mid-summer and generally one sex predominates in the reproductives produced by a particular colony (Bruder and Gupta 1972). In spring, large-scale battles between workers from unrelated colonies commonly can be observed when pavement ants are developing their territories (Ellison et al. 2012). This is an omnivorous species whose diet includes live and dead animal matter, seeds, plant exudates, occasional honeydew gathering, and kitchen food items (Smith 1965). Although common in outdoor situations this species is also an abundant indoor pest in parts of eastern North America (Klotz et al. 2008).

I have observed this species in every Ohio County in which I have had the opportunity to collect material. This is undoubtedly one of the most common ants I have encountered in the state although it is largely restricted to human-modified environments where workers are nearly ubiquitous on paved surfaces, near and inside buildings and in open grass situations (including mowed lawns). I have rarely encountered this ant in natural, relatively undisturbed, settings in Ohio. Nearly all colonies I have seen were located in open situations usually under some type of cover object, most commonly large rocks, or at the bases of grasses. Notable exceptions include two rather large colonies from northeastern Ohio, the first of which [KI 1375] was found in a naturalized open grass field at Eldon Russel Park in Geauga County and comprised a large, de-vegetated, soil mound akin to those of young Formica exsectoides Forel, 1886 colonies. The second colony [KI 2332] was found inside a very large rotten stump in the park manager’s service area of Acacia Reservation in Cuyahoga County.

Southern Ohio. Counties: Jackson (Wesson and Wesson 1940, as Ponera oblongiceps Smith, M.R., 1939), (Fig. 3).

The following quote from Wesson and Wesson (1940) summarizes all the information we have for the single record of this species in Ohio - “A few workers of this species were found under a stone in partial shade, on moist but well drained soil, in Jackson.”

Old World, with assumed African origin. The current confirmed distribution includes Europe, Africa and India (Bolton and Fisher 2011).

The genus Hypoponera includes small cryptic ants with global distribution, although the highest diversity of the group occurs in the tropics. Hypoponera ragusai is a species with known tramping ability widespread in most parts of the world (Bolton and Fisher 2011). This species can be easily separated from most other North American Hypoponera by its smooth and shiny mesopleuron which lack punctures; and from the closely related Hypoponera punctatissima (Roger, 1859) by its smaller body size, and the lower and relatively longer petiolar node.

The success of this ant as a tramp species is attributed to the presence of unusual ergatoid males which remain in their natal nest where they mate with virgin queens (Taylor 1967). These ants are predators of small soil arthropods with nests usually located in soil, leaf-litter or rotting wood (Fisher and Cover 2007). This species was also found nesting under rocks and guano deposits inside caves in the Iberian Peninsula (Tinaut 2001). Workers of this relatively nondescript small ant are rarely collected due to their subterranean habits.

This species often has been refferred to as Hypoponera gleadowi (Emery, 1895) in the literature (including Coovert 2005), and often has been misidentified as the closely related Hypoponera punctatissima (Bolton and Fisher 2011). It is likely that this species shares natural history with H. punctatissima, which is often found in association with disturbed habitats, in addition to buildings in colder climates. Generaly neither Hypoponera ragusai, or any of its synonyms, have been reported as nuisance species in their introduced ranges.