Yellow Crazy ant
Anoplolepis gracilipes
Yellow Crazy ant
Report sightings to hotline, ph 0800 809 966
General Information
The Yellow crazy ant is a major environmental and agricultural pest overseas.
The ants are not known to be established in New Zealand.
They are capable of mass attacking and killing larger animals.
Yellow crazy ants are a pale yellow colour with unusually long legs and antennae. Their bodies are 4mm to 5mm long. The yellow crazy ant walks in a rapid and seemingly erratic manner, especially when disturbed.
The nests of yellow crazy ants can be multi-queened super-colonies in which ants occur at very high densities. Generally they nest at the base of trees and plants, resulting in tree die-back or crop destruction. They can also invade households.
Yellow crazy ants have been known to attack humans, particularly on the extremities such as feet and legs. While these ants don’t sting, they spray formic acid which can cause localized irritation or burning. The irritation can usually be managed by washing the area with soap and water, but a doctor should be consulted if the pain does not subside.
Fact Sheet
- Invasive Ants Fact Sheet
(220 KB)
Risk Assessment
- Yellow crazy ant risk assessment (1217 KB)
Media Releases
- Species of Crazy Ant found at Auckland port
(19 April 2002)
Useful Resources
Page last updated: 22 October 2008