Black Garden Ant (General small black ant)
Scientific Name: Lasius niger (typically)
Order & Family: Order: Hymenoptera, Family: Formicidae
Size: Workers: 3-5 mm; Queens: 6-9 mm
Natural Habitat
Found in gardens, under pavements, and in human dwellings. They build nests in soil and among stones.
Diet & Feeding
Opportunistic omnivores. They feed on nectar, honeydew from aphids, small insects, and human food scraps (sugars and proteins).
Behavior Patterns
They are highly social insects living in colonies with a queen and workers. They follow pheromone trails to food sources and are known for 'farming' aphids for their honeydew.
Risks & Benefits
Generally beneficial for the ecosystem as they aerate soil and recycle nutrients. They do not sting or bite humans dangerously, but can be a nuisance when they forage for food indoors.
Identified on: 4/2/2026