#formicidae

"Funny Skilled Ant", named by Swiss entomologist Auguste Forel in 1910. He apparently didn't record what was so amusing about them.

Native to Australia, and present in NZ since 1921 when a male was collected in Nelson. As far south as Christchurch and Dunedin, it appears to live only in human habitation, presumably since it's too cold outside. But they're a common household nuisance anyway, nesting inside computers, electric kettles, furniture and so on.

Intercaste females, with anatomy and behaviour intermediate between workers and queens, and wingless ergatoid males that fight their brothers to the death for access to virgin queens, are both known from the species.

Presumably named after Swiss entomologist François Huber (1750–1831) and his son, Jean Pierre Huber.

Endemic to New Zealand, like the other species in the genus. Non-aggressive, and can cohabitate with other ants in the species even if they're from distant nests.

A tiny ant alate spotted on the reception desk of the hotel as we checked in. Unfortunately, all three or so species of Nylanderia in New Zealand are introduced, and at least one of them has been present since the 1940s, and has become a garden pest.

A nuptial launch from the tree stump in my front yard - which fits for the species since here in the SW the genus is mostly found in association with wood, either living or on timber products and structures such as telegraph poles. The species also known from the Eastern states.

Ochetellus can be a nuisance in suburban homes, searching kitchens for sugary food.

Now, lemme go through the species these could be maybe (Note, I am no ant expert. I'm just using the knowledge I do have to help someone more knowledgeable get an ID! Also I am trying to learn more about them, so tips on identifying ants are GREATLY appreciated.) Fire Ants and Thief Ants (genus Solenopsis): There are two fire ant species found in my area that could be the answer; the Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta), and the less common Tropical Fire Ant (Solenopsis geminata). They are lighter in color than most S. invicta I've seen, but I'm sure there's a bit of color variation in the species. But they do match much better with S. geminata, so I feel like that species may be more likely.

Yellow Pyramid Ant (Dorymyrmex flavus): They live in the area and the coloration is similar. Although there are some differences, but that doesn't mean it's not a possibility.

High Noon Ant (Forelius pruinosus): They seem to have a wide variety of colors, including this sorta orange-ish color. So they might be a possible ID.

Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile): Just like the High Noon Ants they seem to have a decent amount of variety of coloration, so they're a possibility. Pale Gate-keeper Ant (Colobopsis etiolata): You get the shtick by now, it's a similar color and it lives in my area. Although it may just be too pale.

Nylanderia terricola Pharaoh Ant (Monomorium pharaoins)