Red Ants vs Black Ants: 5 Differences to Consider
Ants are a nuisance to many homeowners, and most people don’t hesitate to reach out to their local exterminators to get rid of them. However, when comparing red ants vs black ants, these insects may have more to them than meets the eye. Red ants have a much different disposition than any species of black ant, and both have very different reasons for infiltrating the home, regardless of the time of year. It might appear that the only difference between them is color, but they can vary in size, damage level, and even aggression. Take a look to learn exactly what you’re in for when you see your next red or black ant.
Comparing Red Ants vs Black Ants
In this chart, we’ve looked at some of the main differences between the black and red ant. While there is only one variation of red ant – the fire ant – black ants account for 24 different species. Some of the species of black ants include:
- Black garden ant (or the common black ant). This ant is often a glossy black color, though the queen of the colony will have a slight brown undertone.
- Carpenter ants. Carpenter ants can come in many color variations but are stick blackish. They come in swarms during the springtime, and they often nest within the structure that they are found in.
- Sugar ants. Sugar ants are not entirely black, showing a yellow body in their midsection. They won’t sting, but they’ll bite, and they will seek out sweet foods to eat.
- Odorous house ants. These ants can be black or brown, and they will typically make their home around houses. They make themselves known during warmer months, infesting homes to eat sugary food sources and dead insects.
| Red Ant | Black Ant | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Less than half an inch | 1.5 mm to 2 inches |
| Preferred Habitat | Open and sunny areas like meadows, playgrounds, golf courses, and other grassy areas. | Under rocks, in homes, under logs and other shelter, cement cracks, gardens, grassy lawns |
| Lifespan | 2-6 years for queens, less than six months for workers. | 5 years or more |
| Temperament | Aggressive towards prey | Non-aggressive |
| Stinger | Yes | No |
The 5 Key Differences Between Red Ants vs Black Ants
Ants, as a whole, primarily have the same shape (with some variations), and they all build colonies that are led by a queen. However, knowing the difference can help you determine the threat level when you encounter them outside or within the home.
1. Red Ants vs Black Ants: Color and Size
The obvious physical difference between black ants and red ants is their color. Red ants, also known as fire ants, are reddish-brown to reddish black, just like the name implies. They can come in a range of sizes, but they are typically between 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch long.
Black ants, because there are about two dozen variations, can range in size. While little black ants may only be 4.5 mm, the world record is two inches long.
2. Red Ants vs Black Ants: Threat to Living Things
Perhaps the most notable behavioral difference between the red ant and the black ant is the way that they interact with people. When a black ant is around people, they mostly leave them alone. They are more concerned with their nest and the task at hand than bothering people.
The red ant, on the other hand, is the only ant that will attack prey by biting them. Furthermore, once they’ve latched on, they release toxins and sting their victim. The only time that you might catch a black ant biting you is if you’ve startled them, but they will sometimes spray acid onto a wound (which is much less painful than a fire ant bite).
3. Red Ants vs Black Ants: Threat to Surroundings
While the red ant is clearly more destructive to the humans and prey that it is around, black ants are generally more bothersome than harmful to people. When a red ant invades the home, he’s looking for prey, and he can cause some damage to the humans and people living inside. For the most part, they prefer living outside in the soil.
Black ants account for over 20 different ant species, but the main reason that they enter the home is to seek out food sources. That’s why it is common to find them in the kitchen when crumbs and spills are not cleaned up quickly. They’ll even create homes within walls and ceiling voids to establish a nearby home to keep getting access to the food.
4. Red Ants vs Black Ants: Species Variations
Currently, there are approximately 24 species of black ants, and none of them have been deemed aggressive or violent. Some of the common ants include carpenter ants, sugar ants, and the common black ant. However, each species is mostly harmless.
Interestingly, there is only one species of red ant – the red imported fire ant – and it is highly aggressive.
5. Red Ants vs Black Ants: Diet
The different species of black ants vary in their diet, but they are mostly omnivorous. Some of the foods that they’ll go after include vegetables, sweet fruits, cornmeal, plant sap, and even candies. However, they will also go after fleas and other insects to get nourishment.
The red ant, or the fire ant, is also an omnivore, but they prefer to consume spiders, arthropod eggs, earthworms, and other insects. Still, they’ll consume honeydew and other sweet foods, as well as seeds.
Next up: Cockroach vs Water Bug: 5 Key Differences Explained
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the difference between black ants and red ants?
The main difference between red ants and black ants is their color. The red ant is just one of a larger genus, while there are 24 black ant species. The red ant is aggressive with prey, releasing a toxin that is quite painful when they bite.
Can a red ant hurt a black ant?
Absolutely. They will attack black ants if they want to use them as food.
Can a black ant hurt a red ant?
Though the black ant doesn’t inject poison, it can destroy a red ant. They will even go after fire ant queens that haven’t laid eggs yet.
More from A-Z Animals
Ants are a nuisance to many homeowners, and most people don’t hesitate to reach out to their local exterminators to get rid of them. However, when comparing red ants vs black ants, these insects may have more to them than meets the eye. Red ants have a much different disposition than any species of black ant, and both have very different reasons for infiltrating the home, regardless of the time of year. It might appear that the only difference between them is color, but they can vary in size, damage level, and even aggression. Take a look to learn exactly what you’re in for when you see your next red or black ant.
Comparing Red Ants vs Black Ants
In this chart, we’ve looked at some of the main differences between the black and red ant. While there is only one variation of red ant – the fire ant – black ants account for 24 different species. Some of the species of black ants include:
- Black garden ant (or the common black ant). This ant is often a glossy black color, though the queen of the colony will have a slight brown undertone.
- Carpenter ants. Carpenter ants can come in many color variations but are stick blackish. They come in swarms during the springtime, and they often nest within the structure that they are found in.
- Sugar ants. Sugar ants are not entirely black, showing a yellow body in their midsection. They won’t sting, but they’ll bite, and they will seek out sweet foods to eat.
- Odorous house ants. These ants can be black or brown, and they will typically make their home around houses. They make themselves known during warmer months, infesting homes to eat sugary food sources and dead insects.
| Red Ant | Black Ant | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Less than half an inch | 1.5 mm to 2 inches |
| Preferred Habitat | Open and sunny areas like meadows, playgrounds, golf courses, and other grassy areas. | Under rocks, in homes, under logs and other shelter, cement cracks, gardens, grassy lawns |
| Lifespan | 2-6 years for queens, less than six months for workers. | 5 years or more |
| Temperament | Aggressive towards prey | Non-aggressive |
| Stinger | Yes | No |
The 5 Key Differences Between Red Ants vs Black Ants
Ants, as a whole, primarily have the same shape (with some variations), and they all build colonies that are led by a queen. However, knowing the difference can help you determine the threat level when you encounter them outside or within the home.
1. Red Ants vs Black Ants: Color and Size
The obvious physical difference between black ants and red ants is their color. Red ants, also known as fire ants, are reddish-brown to reddish black, just like the name implies. They can come in a range of sizes, but they are typically between 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch long.
Black ants, because there are about two dozen variations, can range in size. While little black ants may only be 4.5 mm, the world record is two inches long.
2. Red Ants vs Black Ants: Threat to Living Things
Perhaps the most notable behavioral difference between the red ant and the black ant is the way that they interact with people. When a black ant is around people, they mostly leave them alone. They are more concerned with their nest and the task at hand than bothering people.
The red ant, on the other hand, is the only ant that will attack prey by biting them. Furthermore, once they’ve latched on, they release toxins and sting their victim. The only time that you might catch a black ant biting you is if you’ve startled them, but they will sometimes spray acid onto a wound (which is much less painful than a fire ant bite).
3. Red Ants vs Black Ants: Threat to Surroundings
While the red ant is clearly more destructive to the humans and prey that it is around, black ants are generally more bothersome than harmful to people. When a red ant invades the home, he’s looking for prey, and he can cause some damage to the humans and people living inside. For the most part, they prefer living outside in the soil.
Black ants account for over 20 different ant species, but the main reason that they enter the home is to seek out food sources. That’s why it is common to find them in the kitchen when crumbs and spills are not cleaned up quickly. They’ll even create homes within walls and ceiling voids to establish a nearby home to keep getting access to the food.
4. Red Ants vs Black Ants: Species Variations
Currently, there are approximately 24 species of black ants, and none of them have been deemed aggressive or violent. Some of the common ants include carpenter ants, sugar ants, and the common black ant. However, each species is mostly harmless.
Interestingly, there is only one species of red ant – the red imported fire ant – and it is highly aggressive.
5. Red Ants vs Black Ants: Diet
The different species of black ants vary in their diet, but they are mostly omnivorous. Some of the foods that they’ll go after include vegetables, sweet fruits, cornmeal, plant sap, and even candies. However, they will also go after fleas and other insects to get nourishment.
The red ant, or the fire ant, is also an omnivore, but they prefer to consume spiders, arthropod eggs, earthworms, and other insects. Still, they’ll consume honeydew and other sweet foods, as well as seeds.
Next up: Cockroach vs Water Bug: 5 Key Differences Explained