Small Black Ant
Lasius niger
This record describes Lasius niger (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Worker length: 3.4 - 5 mm, male length: 3.5 - 4.7 mm, queen length: 8 - 9 mm. Workers (non-reproductive females) are blackish-brown in colour and covered in small hairs. Winged reproductive females (queens) are almost twice as big as the workers, are darker in colour and have a large pair of clear wings, which are shed after mating. Males also possess wings and are much smaller than queens. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Varied habitats, including gardens, paved areas etc. Winged reproductive males and females engage in a mass mating flight in hot, humid weather during July and August. This ant often builds its nest in soil, in tree stumps or under stones or logs, and it frequently nests beneath paving stones in gardens. The larvae are legless grubs, and the pupae are protected inside a white silk cocoon. This is the commonest ant seen in Britain and is widespread throughout.
Wikipedia reference for Lasius niger: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_garden_ant.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Formicinae
- Tribe
- Lasiini
- Genus
- Lasius (Citronella Ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Varied habitats, including gardens, paved areas etc.
Seasonal Activity
Winged reproductive males and females engage in a mass mating flight in hot, humid weather during July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This ant often builds its nest in soil, in tree stumps or under stones or logs, and it frequently nests beneath paving stones in gardens. The larvae are legless grubs, and the pupae are protected inside a white silk cocoon.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is the commonest ant seen in Britain and is widespread throughout.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Lasius niger. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Small Black Ant (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Black Ant
What is Small Black Ant?
Small Black Ant (Lasius niger) is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Small Black Ant?
3.4 - 5 mm, male length: 3.5 - 4.7 mm, queen length: 8 - 9 mm. Workers (non-reproductive females) are blackish-brown in colour and covered in small hairs. Winged reproductive females (queens) are almost twice as big as the workers, are darker in colour and have a large pair of clear wings, which are shed after mating. Males also possess wings and are much smaller than queens.
Where is Small Black Ant found?
Habitat: Varied habitats, including gardens, paved areas etc.
When is Small Black Ant active?
Small Black Ant: seasonal activity - Winged reproductive males and females engage in a mass mating flight in hot, humid weather during July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Small Black Ant?
This ant often builds its nest in soil, in tree stumps or under stones or logs, and it frequently nests beneath paving stones in gardens. The larvae are legless grubs, and the pupae are protected inside a white silk cocoon.