Which of these ants has a petiole with only one segment?

The correct answer is the Thief ant, which is characterized by having a petiole with only one segment. The petiole is the narrow waist segment of an ant that connects the thorax to the abdomen, and its structure can help in identifying different ant species.

In contrast, both the Acrobat ant and Carpenter ant possess a two-segmented petiole. The Acrobat ant has a unique ability to bend its abdomen over its thorax, which is a distinctive behavior not linked to the structure of the petiole itself but reflects the overall morphology of the ant. The Carpenter ant, while known for its wood-boring habits, also has a two-segmented petiole, making it easy to differentiate from those species with a single segment.

The Pavement ant, similar to the other mentioned ants, also has a two-segmented petiole and is commonly found in urban environments, often nesting under pavements, which influences its naming.

Understanding these structural differences plays a crucial role in entomology and pest management, as it helps in accurately identifying ant species, which in turn informs appropriate management strategies.