Acrobat Ant

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

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

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.

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.