An invasive ant species called ManhattAnt has taken over New York City since 2011 and could pose problems for tree populations – Chip Chick

In 2011, an invasive species of ant first appeared in New York. Since then, their range has expanded and they are now rapidly taking over New York City. Their dominant presence could pose problems for the city's tree population.

The species was first discovered when a biologist named Rob Dunn was in town to teach at Columbia University. During a break, he went outside and collected some ants.

After examining them in his laboratory, he found that they did not match any of the ant species that existed at the time, of which there were 13,000. The insect became known as the “ManhattAnt.”

Over a decade later, scientists have finally identified the Manhattan Ant. It is called Lasius emarginatusand it came from Europe.

So far, the ManhattAnt has left Manhattan and advanced into New Jersey and Long Island at a rate of more than a mile per year.

“We think they could spread as far north as Maine and as far south as Atlanta, Georgia,” said Clint Penick, study co-author and a biologist at Auburn University. “This is an ant that could be quite common along the entire East Coast.”

The Manhattan ant is not dominant in its native Europe. Nor is it known for adapting to urban areas, so its dominant presence in New York City is highly unprecedented.

Researchers collect ants to study by sucking them into small tubes. They then examine their physical characteristics and analyze DNA samples to make comparisons with known species. These tests revealed that the ManhattAnt L. emarginatus.

Non-scientists have also reported local sightings of the insect, thereby expanding experts' knowledge of the species' distribution.

Subscribe to Chip Chick's newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.