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:
“The road to the City of Emeralds is paved with yellow brick.”
—L. Frank Baum (1856–1919)
“Tell me, how do you cope so calmly
With crazy youth’s arrogant way?
Indeed, youth would be insufferable,
Had I myself not also been insufferable.”
—Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749–1832)
“I am not afraid of the priests in the long-run. Scientific method is the white ant which will slowly but surely destroy their fortifications. And the importance of scientific method in modern practical life—always growing and increasing—is the guarantee for the gradual emancipation of the ignorant upper and lower classes, the former of whom especially are the strength of the priests.”
—Thomas Henry Huxley (1825–95)