https://www.wettropics.gov.au/

Yellow crazy ants are classed as category 3 restricted biosecurity matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014, meaning everyone has a responsibility to help prevent their spread.

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Yellow crazy ants are named for their fast, erratic movement when disturbed. Key features include:

  • slender bodies, approximately 4mm long
  • long antennae and legs
  • golden-brown colour with a darker, sometimes striped abdomen.
Diagram of a yellow crazy ant labelling long antennae, legs, striped abdomen and size.
© WTMA
Key features of yellow crazy ant.
  • Graphic that reads AntZone.
    © WTMA

    Where are yellow crazy ants found

    Use AntZone, an online map, to see if you are in an invasive ant zone. It also outlines your responsibilities, shows yellow crazy ant and electric ant infestations in Far North Queensland, and explains how to report suspect ants.

Why reporting matters

Community vigilance is essential to detect and stop the spread of these invasive ants. Yellow crazy ants are often spread through human activity, hitching rides in:

  • A woman's hands transferring and a plant to a new green pot
    © WTMA

    soil, mulch, vegetation and green waste

  • Sugar cane harvester harvesting cane in a field.
    © WTMA

    machinery and construction materials

  • Pile of raked leaves in a garden.
    © Envato

    pot plants and outdoor furniture

How to report suspect ants

If you spot yellow crazy ants in the Cairns region, report them to the Wet Tropics Management Authority:

Learn more

  • Two yellow crazy ant handbook covers, one for Business and Industry, one general community guide.
    © WTMA

    Handbooks

    Read our handbooks to discover more about yellow crazy ants, their impacts and how you can help.

  • Graphic with report card cover image and next page
    © WTMA

    Report card

    Stay informed on WTMA's progress with the Eradication Program report card.

Last updated: 13 Oct 2026