Black Garden Ant
Scientific Name: Lasius niger
Order & Family: Hymenoptera: Formicidae
Size: Workers are typically 3-5mm; Queens can be up to 9mm.
Natural Habitat
Found in gardens, under paving stones, and in rotten logs; frequently enters human dwellings in search of food.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous; primarily feeds on honeydew from aphids, nectar, and small insects.
Behavior Patterns
Highly social insects living in complex colonies; they exhibit sophisticated foraging behaviors and mark trails with pheromones.
Risks & Benefits
A nuisance in homes but beneficial to the ecosystem as they aerate soil and help control other small pest populations.
Identified on: 6/25/2026