Black Garden Ant

Scientific Name: Lasius niger

Order & Family: Hymenoptera, Formicidae

Size: 3mm to 5mm for workers; queens can reach 9mm.

Black Garden Ant

Natural Habitat

Gardens, woodlands, pavements, and frequently found inside residential homes.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; feeds on nectar, seeds, and honeydew from aphids. They are scavengers that also eat other insects.

Behavior Patterns

Highly social insects living in colonies with a queen. They follow chemical pheromone trails to find food and are known for 'farming' aphids for their honeydew.

Risks & Benefits

They do not sting or transmit diseases, but can be a nuisance when infesting homes. Benefits include aerating soil and controlling smaller garden pests.

Identified on: 4/27/2026