What’s a key identifying feature of pavement ants?

Pavement ants are known for their distinctive physical characteristics, one of which is the presence of ridges on their heads. This feature sets them apart from other ant species, making it easier to identify them during pest inspections or when assessing potential infestations. The ridges on the head are often described as having a somewhat sculpted appearance, which can be helpful in distinguishing pavement ants from similar species that may not have these pronounced features.

In contrast, thick legs, stripes on the abdomen, and long antennae are traits that can be commonly found in a variety of ant species, but they do not specifically characterize pavement ants. Thus, the presence of ridges on the head serves as a reliable identifying feature for this specific type of ant.