Acrobat Ant

Natural Habitat

Nesting in dead or decaying wood, tree cavities, sometimes inside wall voids, insulation, or door/window frames in homes.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; feeds on a variety of sweets, proteins, and fats, but notably tends aphids and scale insects for honeydew.

Behavior Patterns

Identifiable by their heart-shaped abdomen which they raise over their thorax (like a scorpion or acrobat) when threatened or disturbed. They form distinct trails and can be aggressive.

Risks & Benefits

Generally low risk to health, though they can bite defensively. They are primarily nuisance pests when they nest structurally indoors, often indicating existing moisture-damaged wood.

Identified on: 3/1/2026