Argentine ant

noun

1. a small brown ant, Iridomyrmex humilis, introduced into the southern U.S. from South America: a household and fruit pest.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Argentine ant¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

At first it might be hard to distinguish the red imported fire ant from the sugar-loving Argentine ant, but a key distinction is the red imported fire ants’ aggressive nature.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Despite what the stream of ants in your back yard might indicate, the Argentine ant is not the only species in town.

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In March, Tobias and Mr. Zimmerman underwent weeks of basic Argentine ant training.

Read more on New York Times

From the American mink to the lionfish and the Argentine ant.

Read more on BBC

Summer in California is Argentine ant season.

Read more on The Verge