Pharaoh ants are a common household pest, recognized for their widespread presence and the challenges they present in homes and other buildings. Accurate identification is important for effective management. This article details their distinct physical appearance, providing visual cues for identification.
Identifying Physical Characteristics
Pharaoh ant workers are small, measuring about 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters (approximately 1/16 inch) in length. Their coloration ranges from a pale yellow to a reddish-brown, often featuring a darker abdomen that can appear almost black or translucent. This small size and light color can make them difficult to spot until an infestation becomes significant.
A distinguishing feature of the pharaoh ant is its two-segmented petiole, which forms a narrow waist between the thorax and the abdomen. Unlike some other ant species, the thorax of a pharaoh ant has no spines, contributing to its relatively smooth appearance.
Their antennae are a key identifying trait, consisting of 12 segments. These antennae end in a distinct club shape, which is comprised of three progressively larger segments. Pharaoh ants possess small, dark eyes.
Distinguishing Pharaoh Ants from Similar Species
Pharaoh ants can be confused with other small, light-colored ants commonly found indoors, such as thief ants or odorous house ants. Their small size, ranging from 1.5 to 2.0 mm, is similar to that of thief ants, which are 1.3 to 2.2 mm long. However, key differences exist in their antennae and the structure of their bodies.
Thief ants also have two nodes in their petiole like pharaoh ants, but their antennae are composed of 10 segments ending in a two-segmented club, differing from the pharaoh ant’s 12-segmented antennae with a three-segmented club. While both can be yellowish to light brown, thief ants may have a more varied color range, sometimes appearing bronze to dark brown with a shiny appearance.
Odorous house ants differ more significantly in appearance. They are darker in color, ranging from dark brown to shiny black, and are medium-sized. A major difference is their petiole, which has only a single node that is often hidden. Odorous house ants release a distinct, unpleasant odor, often described as rotten coconut or licorice-like, when crushed, a characteristic not associated with pharaoh ants.