The yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) is a species of ant, introduced accidentally to northern Australia and Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean, that has wreaked ecological damage in both locations. It is colloquially called "crazy" because of its erratic movements when disturbed, with its long legs and antennae making it one of the largest invasive ant species in the world.
Along with the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), the big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala), the little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata), and the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile), the yellow crazy ant is one of the five species of tramp ants, known for invasive behavior and devastating ecological effects. Also known as the long-legged or Maldive ant, it is listed among the 100 most devastating invaders of the world. It has invaded ecosystems from Hawaii to Seychelles, and formed supercolonies on Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean.
Read more about Yellow Crazy Ant: Physiology, Geographical Range and Dispersal, Diet, Impact On Christmas Island, Other Threats, Measures
Famous quotes containing the words yellow, crazy and/or ant:
“Visions of half the world burned black
And the sun shrunken yellow in smoke.”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)
“We like the idea of childhood but are not always crazy about the kids we know. We like it, that is, when we are imagining our own childhoods. So part of our apparent appreciation of youth is simply envy.”
—C. John Sommerville (20th century)
“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.”
—Bible: Hebrew Proverbs, 6:6.
The words were rendered by Samuel Johnson in the opening lines of The Ant: “Turn on the prudent ant thy heedful eyes, Observe her labours, sluggard, and be wise.”