Common American Thief Ant Solenopsis molesta

These thief ants earned their name by nesting directly next to other ant colonies and stealing their food. Also called grease ants because they're obsessed with greasy foods, this species shows remarkable cunning — they raid from neighbors without getting caught and destroyed. Unlike aggressive ants that battle openly, thief ants use stealth and speed as their strategy. Nuptial flights happen late July through early fall, when males and new queens venture out to find mates. Their small size and nocturnal habits make them one of the sneakiest ants in North America.