Singapore ant
Monomorium destructor
Singapore ant
This pest is not in New Zealand.
If you suspect you have found this in New Zealand, call 0800 99 66
Description
There are two particular features of this ant that help to distinguish it from other ants in New Zealand: it is distinctly two toned with an orange thorax and dark coloured abdomen, and individuals vary in size from 1.8 to 3.5 mm. Common New Zealand ants are up to two distinct sizes with no continual size variation.
See pest risk assessment 
(1006 KB) for additional info.
Impact
These ants can inflict a painful sting and are attracted to electric wires, causing short circuits.
Management
High risk potential points of entry for exotic ants are surveyed every year as part of the National Invasive Ant Surveillance Programme. Over 100 sites throughout New Zealand will be surveyed in the summer of 2007.
Fact Sheet
- Singapore ant risk assessment (1006 KB)
Useful Resources
- http://www.issg.org/database/welcome/
- http://www.antweb.org/
- http://www.padil.gov.au/viewPestDiagnosticImages.aspx?id=624
Page last updated: 22 October 2008