Page 30 - AG 7-2011 Revised 2016
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Velvety Tree Ant Velvety Tree Ant Workers
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
Velvety Tree Ant Velvety Tree Ant Workers
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
1.Antenna- 12 segment 6.Thorax- rounded no spines Velvety Tree Ant
2.Eyes- 2 7.Petiole- one node
3.Head 8.Abdomen- rounded
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- red & black 1
6 8
5.Wings- only on alates 10.Other- abdomen has velvety 7
appearance
Life Cycle
Velvety Tree Ants can form huge colonies not only in trees, but also in
old stumps, and underground. The colony will have a single queen and
thousands of workers. Swarming normally occurs in May, but a late 2
summer swarm may also happen. The winged reproductives will fly off
to start a new colony. Courtesy of Corky’s Pest Control
Actual size 1/2”
As its name suggests, this ant will nest in trees, especially those found alongside streams
and creeks. They range in size from ¼ to 1/2 inch. These ants are found in the foothill and
mountain areas. Workers commonly tend to aphids, collecting the honeydew secretion. They
will range several hundred feet from the nest, and can invade homes. They will also bring dead
insects and other foods back to the nest. Velvety Tree Ants can bite, and they inject a poison
into the wound.
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