Little Black Ant

Monomorium minimum

The Little Black Ant lives in a well-organized underground nest with many other ants. A small mound of dirt usually reveals the entrance to the nest. This common ant also nests in rotten wood. The workers can be seen around-the-clock carrying morsels of food back to their nest-mates.

Look For : A smooth, slender, shiny, black or brown body and "waist" (pedicel, between the thorax and abdomen) with one segment. The antennae have 12 segments.

Length : 1/16-1/4".

Habitat : Fields, yards, houses.

Range : Widespread except Pacific Northwest.