Odorous House Ant

Introduction. The pugent rotten-coconutlike odor givenoff when this ants is crushed gives it its name. it is a native species and is found throughout the United States.

Recognition. Workers monomorphic about 1/16"-1/8" (2.4-3.25mm) long. Body brown to black. Antenna 12-segmented without a club. Thorax lacks spines profile unevenly rounded. Pedicel 1-segmented with small node/segment hidden/concealed from view from about by base of gaster. Gaster with anal opening slitlike lacking circlet of hairs. Stinger absent Workers emit a disagreeable rotten coconut-like odor.

Habits. Inside these ants usually construct their nests in wall voids especially around hot water pipes and heaters in crevices around sinks, cupboards, etc. These ants prefer sweets but also eat foods with high protein content and grease such as meats and cheese.

Outside they are often found in the nest of larger ants in exposed soil but mostly under objects. Workers feed on insects seek honeydew and plant secretions and even feed on seeds. They are extremely fond of honeydew and attend such honeydew-excreting insects as plantlice (aphids) scale inspects mealybugs etc. They are most weather or with leaf fall in the autumn.

Tagged: 6 legs, ant, black, crawling, elbowed antenna, small