The 21 species photographed here are the most common ants encountered by pest control operators in North America. Not all species are found in all regions, however. 

Original file is 3,969 pixel-width and can be printed to small poster size; individual ants are between 200 and 600 pixels, depending on the species.
Linepithema humile, the Argentine ant, queen and worker in the species' native range.

Córdoba, Argentina
Linepithema humile, the Argentine Ant.

California, USA
As a colony of subterranean termites (Reticulitermes hesperus) prepares for the annual release of winged reproductives, a predatory Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) approaches the nest for an easy protein meal.

Davis, California, USA
A feisty little Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) attacks a much larger fire ant (Solenopsis invicta).  Both species co-exist naturally in subtropical South America, but in the southern United States where both have been accidentally introduced, the fire ant has displaced the Argentine ants.

Austin, Texas, USA
A trail of Argentine ants, Linepithema humile.

Davis, California, USA
Linepithema humile, the Argentine ant.

Davis, California, USA
An Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) attacks a much larger fire ant (Solenopsis invicta).  Both species co-exist naturally in subtropical South America, but in the southern United States where both have been accidentally introduced, the fire ant has displaced the Argentine ants.

Austin, Texas, USA
A feisty little Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) attacks a much larger fire ant (Solenopsis invicta).  Both species co-exist naturally in subtropical South America, but in the southern United States where both have been accidentally introduced, the fire ant has displaced the Argentine ants.

Austin, Texas, USA
Linepithema humile, the Argentine ant.

Davis, California, USA
Linepithema humile, the Argentine ant.

Davis, California, USA
Linepithema humile, the Argentine ant.

Davis, California, USA
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013