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July 18, 2025 | By: Caitlyn Miller
Asian needle ant (Brachyponera chinensis). Missourians should be on the lookout for the Asian needle ant during its population peak in July and August, says Emily Althoff, urban entomologist for University of Missouri and Lincoln University Extension. Photo by April Nobile via Antweb.org (specimen CASENT0104738). Shared under a Creative Commons license (CC-BY-4.0).
The 'Asian needle ant,' a new species of concern, appears to be headed for Missouri.
Its population peak is in July and August, and the University of Missouri Extension office encourages folks to monitor for the insect, which is expanding its presence in the Midwestern US.
The insect has been spotted in 18 states already, mostly in the northeast and south. However, they're beginning to appear closer to the Midwest region.
The ants are drawn to moist, shady spots, leaf litter, and dead logs—including firewood. Unlike many other insects and ant species, Asian needle ants don't leave mounds or foraging trails. This makes it easy for them to go unnoticed.
As they travel across the country, they pose a threat to the environment. According to Entymologist Emily Althoff, the ants pose a threat to both native ant populations and to humans.
The sting of the needle ant injects a harmful venom. Althoff says, "The damage caused by these stings to people likely would be like that of a bee or wasp sting,". She adds if you see an ant, you should not panic, but she says it's important for people who are allergic to other insect stings to take precautions.
It should be noted that the ant does not come inside unless brought in (for example, on firewood).
You can follow records of the species on the Antmaps website.
To see photos of Asian Needle Ants or to report a sighting, go to extension.missouri.edu.
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