Argentine ant (Linepithema humile)

The Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) is a small, social insect native to South America that has become a widespread invasive species. It forms large, cooperative colonies with many interconnected nests, often displacing native ant species and disrupting local ecosystems. These ants are highly adaptable, thriving in urban and agricultural areas, and are known for tending to pests like aphids for honeydew. Their ability to establish extensive, supercolonies makes them effective at outcompeting other ants, which can cause ecological and economic issues. They are typically brown or light-colored and are active year-round in temperate climates.