tawny crazy ant

insect

Also known as: Nylanderia fulva, hairy crazy ant

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Last updated

July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

The tawny crazy ant, also known as the raspberry crazy ant (Nylanderia fulva), is a species of ant native to South America that has become an invasive pest in the United States. These ants are known for their erratic movements and tendency to form large colonies.12

A key characteristic of the tawny crazy ant is its ability to neutralize the venom of fire ants using formic acid secretions. This gives them a competitive advantage, and they have been observed displacing red imported fire ants in some areas. Like fire ants, tawny crazy ants are difficult to control and pose a significant threat to native species and ecosystems.1

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fire ant
Red imported fire ant
…been displaced by the unrelated tawny crazy ant (also called raspberry crazy ant, Nylanderia fulva), a species known in South America that was first detected in the United States (in Texas) in 2002. The ant can neutralize fire ant venom with secretions containing formic acid, an ability that gives it…
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…been displaced by the unrelated tawny crazy ant (also called raspberry crazy ant, Nylanderia fulva), a species known in South America that was first detected in the United States (in Texas) in 2002. The ant can neutralize fire ant venom with secretions containing formic acid, an ability that gives it…
Read More