Black Garden Ant

Found in gardens, under paving stones, in soil, and occasionally inside buildings.

Omnivorous; they feed on nectar, seeds, and small insects, and famously tend aphids for honeydew.

Highly social insects that live in complex colonies; they are most active during the day and exhibit swarming behavior during nuptial flights in summer.

Generally harmless to humans though they can be minor pests in homes; they benefit the ecosystem by aerating soil and controlling smaller insect populations.