Bug FAQMyrmecocystus testaceus
Myrmecocystus testaceus · Order: Hymenoptera · Family: Formicidae
Source: Wikipedia
These honeypot ants are active at night and build their nests in sandy soils. They are found across the western United States and the extreme southern part of British Columbia.
Source: Wikipedia
Where it lives
They nest in sand and are usually active at night.
Source: Wikipedia
When you see it
They are primarily nocturnal.
Source: Wikipedia
Where it comes from
They occur throughout the western United States and the far south of British Columbia.
Source: Wikipedia
Where it is found in the US
Recorded in 7 of 51 states and DC. Most records: California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Washington, Arizona, Montana.
Darker = more records. Counts are museum and citizen-science records, not population size.
Source: GBIF
Status: native in North America; native in Canada; native in United States. Source: iNaturalist
Months it is reported in the US
Source: GBIF
More photos
Questions people ask
How does Myrmecocystus testaceus defend itself?
It sprays formic acid from its abdomen, which can melt skin tissue.
Source: Wikipedia
Where are they found?
They live across the western United States and the extreme southern part of British Columbia.
Source: Wikipedia
Same family (Formicidae)
Eastern Black Carpenter AntCamponotus pennsylvanicusCan bite
Red Imported Fire AntSolenopsis invictaCan sting
American Winter AntPrenolepis imparis
Argentine AntLinepithema humileNuisance, not dangerous
Immigrant Pavement AntTetramorium immigransCan sting
Odorous House AntTapinoma sessileCan damage your homeSources
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrmecocystus_testaceus
Look it up elsewhere: GBIF · iNaturalist · BugGuide · ITIS · Wikipedia
Text written 2026-10-25 from the sources above and checked sentence by sentence against them. Data fetched 2026-10-25.