Brachyponera chinensis, the Asian needle ant, is a stinging ponerine ant native to areas of Japan and mainland Asia. It was known as Pachycondyla chinensis, a name used in many scientific publications until 2014. The Asian needle ant was introduced to the United States in the 1930s, where it is considered an adventive and possibly invasive species. Since then, the Asian needle ant and the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) have been competing for territory in the U.S. Brachyponera chinensis is found primarily in the American South, where the ants prefer to nest beneath or near hardwood trees. They are also found along the U.S. East Coast, from Florida to Massachusetts.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Asian Needle Ant being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Brachyponera sennaarensis
- Austroponera castanea
- Mesoponera australis
- Mayaponera constricta
- Pachycondyla harpax
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Formicidae
- Genus
- Brachyponera
- Species
- Brachyponera chinensis
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