Citronella Ant

Acanthomyops claviger

Appearance

Image of Citronella Ant (Acanthomyops interjectus, Acanthomyops claviger) | Rentokil Pest Control Canada
  • Citronella ants colour varies from a light yellow to a dark reddish-yellow or light brown.
  • Swarmers 3.175mm long.
  • Workers 4.76mm long.
  • Sparse, erect hairs on the head, thorax, and abdomen.
  • Single node to the pedicel

 

Lifecycle

  • Typically mistaken for termites, Citronella ant swarms arrive in the late Winter and Spring.

Habits

  • Nesting – varies from open woods, pastures, gardens, lawns, next to house foundations. Colonies sometimes found beneath concrete slabs, large rocks, or rotting logs. Colonies have distinct mounds of soil around the openings.
  • Odour - produce an agreeable citronella smell when crushed.