Little Black Ant
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Introduction. This ant gets its name from its very small size and jet-black coloration. It is a native species and is found throughout the United States especially in the eastern half of the U. S. in the southern half of California and the San Francisco Bay area.
Recognition. Workers monomorphic about 1/16" (1.5-2mm) long queens about twice as long. Color dark brown to black typically black. Antenna 12-segmented with 3-segmented club. Thorax lacks spines profile unevenly rounded. Pedicel 2-segmented. Very similar to Pharoah ants but little black ants are black instead of being yellowish to reddish. Stinger small and weak.
Habits. Inside nests are located in woodwork decaying wood and masonry. They feed on grease oil meats fruits vegetable materials such as corn meal and sweets. Outside they nest under stones/rocks in rotting logs in lawns or in open areas. The workers feed on other insects honeydew and plant secretions. They forage in trails which can commonly be seen on foundation walls and along sidewalks outside.
Tagged: 6 legs, ant, black, crawling, elbowed antenna, small