Little black ant

The little black ant (Monomorium minimum) is a species of ant native to North America. It is a shiny black color, the workers about 1 to 2 mm long and the queens 4 to 5 mm long. It is a monomorphic species, with only one caste of worker, and polygyne, meaning a nest may have more than one queen. A colony is usually moderately sized with only a few thousand workers.

Scientific classification

• ·         Kingdom: Animalia
• ·         Phylum: Arthropoda
• ·         Class: Insecta
• ·         Order: Hymenoptera
• ·         Family: Formicidae
• ·         Subfamily: Myrmicinae
• ·         Tribe: Solenopsidini
• ·         Genus: Monomorium
• ·         Species: M. minimum
• ·         Binomial name: Monomorium minimum

Habitat

Little black ant are usually seen around homes following well-defined trails between the nest and food and water sources. They feed on a wide variety of foods, but the workers are partial to the sweet honeydew produced by aphids, scales and mealybugs found feeding on many trees and plants. Fruit trees, roses and many shrubs serve as hosts for aphids and may contribute to ant infestations in homes and other buildings. Most infestations inside are the result of workers searching for food. On occasion, a colony or part of a colony may establish itself inside a wall, behind brick veneer or beneath the carpet by a doorway.

Behavior

Little black worker ants forage in scent-marked trails, which can be seen along sidewalks and foundation walls. If a colony moves inside a building, large populations can invade cracks and crevices, establishing highly visible foraging trails, particularly along counters, cabinets and pantries.