Browsing ants

Page last updated: Tuesday, 23 March 2021 - 8:16am

Please note: This content may be out of date and is currently under review.

Browsing ant, Lepisiota frauenfeldi, is an invasive ant originating from Southern Europe. This pest has a proven ability to monopolise resources and form super-colonies. 

They have been detected in Western Australia but the populations are still contained enough for eradication to be successful. If allowed to spread, they could have a significant impact on insect and animal diversity, the environment and our social amenity. 

Browsing ants thrive in Mediterranean and tropical climates so they are ideally suited to Australian conditions. These aggressive ants form multi-queened super-colonies and monopolise food resources, quickly reaching large numbers. The super-colonies put our native species at risk by killing them for food and competing for resources.

Browsing ants also farm and protect scale insects that can eventually kill the plants they live on. Because of this, the ants present a significant risk to WA's billion-dollar horticultural industry.

These ants are also a potential domestic pest, as they like to forage in kitchens and where food is stored.

While these ants are a threat to our environment, they are not harmful to people or pets.

The first known Australian detection was at Perth Airport in 2013 followed by subsequent detections at commercial properties in Belmont, Kewdale and Welshpool. Browsing ant has since been detected at the Port of Darwin and the Port of Brisbane.

The Perth, Darwin and Brisbane browsing ant detections are now subject to nationally funded eradication programs, funded by Commonwealth and State and Territory governments.

What do I look for?

Browsing ant is native to southern Europe, usually found in Mediterranean regions in the vicinity of the sea. They are considered extremely invasive, having established widely across the globe by 'hitchhiking' in sea containers, household goods, potted plants, rubbish and machinery.

Browsing ants are a slender, shiny, dark brown ant. They are 3– 4 mm in length with long antennae and long legs, and run about in a haphazard manner when disturbed. They do not have a strong 'ant smell' when crushed.

scale diagram of a browsing ant
Browsing ants are 3–4mm in length with long antennae and long legs

What can I do if I find it?

The community can help contain this pest by reporting any suspect sightings and by being careful not to move ants on goods or vehicles. In particular, they can be moved in shipping containers, soil, mulch, fertiliser and other plant material.

If you suspect you have browsing ants on your property or workplace, you can report it via:

Report your observations via the MyPestGuide Reporter app or online at mypestguide.agric.wa.gov.au, or via the Pest and Disease Information Service 08 9368 3080 or padis@dpird.wa.gov.au

Alternatively, if you would like to submit a sample: 

  • Brush ants into a sealed container or zip lock bag and place in the freezer for 1 hour.
  • Label container with the collection location (eg. backyard, kitchen, bathroom, driveway etc.), your name, contact number, email address and postal address.
Deliver or post to:
Browsing Ant, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth WA 6151 

Contact information

Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS)
+61 (0)8 9368 3080
Marc Widmer
+61 (0)8 9368 3062