Black Garden Ant
Scientific Name: Lasius niger
Order & Family: Order: Hymenoptera, Family: Formicidae
Size: Workers are typically 3 to 5 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in gardens, under paving stones, and in soil; frequently enters indoor spaces in search of food.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous; feeds on nectar, honeydew from aphids, seeds, and small insects. Highly attracted to sugary substances indoors.
Behavior Patterns
Highly social insects that live in large colonies with a single queen. They follow well-established pheromone trails to transport food back to the nest.
Risks & Benefits
A nuisance pest in homes but beneficial to the ecosystem through soil aeration and preying on other garden pests like small larvae.
Identified on: 4/30/2026