Nylanderia jaegerskioeldi (Jägerskiöld’s crazy ant) is a fast-growing, small invasive ant species native to Africa, now found from equatorial regions through North Africa and across the Mediterranean to the Canary Islands and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It’s known for its light brown color, dense hairs, and ability to rapidly colonize both natural and urban habitats.
Nylanderia jaegerskioeldi
This highly adaptable species thrives in moist soil under rocks, leaf litter, and in irrigated gardens and plantations. Colonies are polygynous (multiple queens) and can reach thousands of workers quickly in captivity. Workers are tiny (3–4 mm), pale brown, covered with abundant erect pubescence and setae. They are highly efficient, fast foragers and demonstrate strong recruitment behavior, but are poor at defending food resources against competitors.
