by Neil Reimer (Hawaii Department of Agriculture)
A total of 44 ant species have been recorded in the Hawaiian Islands (ed. note: as of 1997). None of these ants are native. They were all accidentally introduced by people. Ants have a devastating impact on the native fauna and flora. In the absence of ants, Hawaii's endemic fauna never evolved adaptations such as mimicry, or distasteful or appeasement secretions to thwart predation by ants, as is commonly observed with invertebrates from areas where ants are endemic. The establishment of ants over wide areas could result in the reduction and possible elimination of many native plant pollinators, threatening reproductive success. Certain ant species are also efficient seed predators.
Because of the severe impact ants can have on Hawaii's native fauna and flora, it is critical that native habitats be surveyed and monitored regularly for pestiferous ants so that adequate management strategies can be developed. It is important to determine the identity of the ant species present before an ant management program can be initiated, because ant behavior, biology, and ecology vary among species. Control strategies must be developed which are appropriate for the specific ant species. Control method information is also available online.
There are 16 ant species that are common or occasionally found in undeveloped habitats (non-urban and non-agricultural), and a few other ant species which are rarely encountered in undeveloped habitats. The ant species in this key are those that are most likely to cause a significant impact on Hawaii's native biota. Other species tend not to have a significant impact or are rarely encountered in undeveloped habitats.
How to use this guide
(A pocket magnifier of 5 to 20x magnification may be useful)
- Locate the worker ants. This key will not work for males or queens. Workers are wingless while males and queens have wings. Queens will lose their wings after they start a colony, but this stage is not commonly found outside the nest.
- Remember that worker ants of the same species can have different forms. Some may be larger than others or have larger heads. Make note if there are differences among workers. This will help separate different species and will be addressed in the guide.
- Begin at "Start" and compare the specimens with the captions and diagrams. There are two choices. Pick the appropriate diagram and follow the line to the next set of captions and photos.
- Check each subsequent choice carefully. There are at least two choices, but there may be more. Make sure that each line is followed to all captions.
- Continue until your specimen matches the captions and photo of a particular ant species.
CAUTION! Keep in mind that this key only addresses the 16 most pestiferous ant species commonly found in undeveloped habitats. Remember that there are roughly 44 ant species in the islands.
If your ant specimen doesn't seem to fit the photo or caption and there are no other options, then you may have one of the few ant species that are rarely found in undeveloped habitats or you may have found a species new to Hawaii. Please help prevent a new pest outbreak by submitting specimens to Neil Reimer at the address below.
If you need help to identify your ant specimens, contact Neil Reimer, Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine Branch, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.
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A key to the most pestiferous ant species threatening Hawaii's native fauna and flora
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