Which type of ant is known for stealing food from other ant species?

The thief ant is recognized for its behavior of stealing food from other ant species, which is a distinctive characteristic that sets it apart from other types of ants. This behavior is particularly pronounced in thief ants, as they often invade the nests of other ants to forage for food. Their foraging strategies and social structure allow them to exploit the resources of neighboring colonies effectively, thus gaining a competitive advantage.

In contrast, the other types of ants listed do not share this particular trait. Pharaoh ants, for instance, are known for their ability to establish large colonies and are often associated with food contamination in human environments, but they do not engage in the same kind of food raiding behavior. Harvester ants collect seeds and transport them back to their nests, focusing on gathering resources rather than stealing from others. Crazy ants, characterized by their erratic movements, are invasive and create large colonies, but they do not exhibit stealing behaviors. Thus, the thief ant is specifically known for its pilfering habits, making it the correct answer to the question.