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Black garden ant

Black garden ant

Lasius niger

A species of Citronella ants, Also known as Small black ant, Black field ant, Cornfield ant

Black garden ant (Lasius niger) is a common sight in open environments, such as pastures or meadows. A single queen rules over the colony, which may have up to 40,000 workers in exceptional cases, although more commonly, colonies contain between 4,000 and 7,000 workers. Black garden ant has a surprisingly long lifespan that may reach up to four years in laboratory conditions.

Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Black garden ant
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Attributes of Black garden ant
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
open area; underground; under stone; rotten wood; under root
Adult Food Sources
Aphid honeydew, nectar, small insects, sweet plant exudates, fungi
Larva Food Source
Aphid honeydew, small insects, eggs of insects, sugary secretions, proteins from other arthropods
Non-poisonous
The Black garden ant is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Black garden ant feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The Black garden ant typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Black garden ant
It is found all over Europe and in some parts of North America, South America, Asia and Australasia.
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Distribution Area of Black garden ant
Europe, some parts of North America, South America, Asia and Australasia
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Adult Size of Black garden ant
3 - 9 mm
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Predators of Black garden ant Larvae
Amphibia: frogs and toads, aves: birds, arachnida: spiders, insecta: beetles, mantises, larger ant species, hoverflies, reptilia: lizards like geckos
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Predators of Adult Black garden ant
Aves: birds, arachnida: spiders, mammalia: anteaters, tamanduas, monkeys, insecta: mantises, larger ant species, dragonflies, reptilia: lizards
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Interesting Facts About Black garden ant
Black garden ant use a unique 'tandem running' behavior to teach other ants about new food sources or nest sites, involving a lead ant guiding a single follower ant.
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Scientific Classification of Black garden ant
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Family
Ants
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Tips for Finding Black garden ant
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Youth Habitat of Black garden ant
Urban and Suburban Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
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Adult Habitat of Black garden ant
Urban and Suburban Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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When is the Best Time to Observe Black garden ant
The best time to find black garden ant is during their active periods, typically from spring to autumn, especially in warmer parts of the day.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Black garden ant
Dry and warm weather is more suitable for finding black garden ant, as they are less active during cold or rainy conditions.
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How and Where Can You Find Black garden ant at Different Life Stages
Adult After nuptial flights, usually in late spring or early summer, black garden ant queens land and shed their wings to start a new colony. Look for them on the soil surface or pavement.
Black garden ant workers are present throughout the year and can be found on the trails leading to their nests or foraging for food. Search for them near food sources or follow their trails back to the nest.
Larva Black garden ant larvae are located within the nest and can be seen when the nest structure is carefully examined. This should be done with caution to avoid disrupting the colony.
Pupal Black garden ant pupae are also found inside the nest, commonly in cocoons. Observation or study of pupae should be conducted with respect not to harm the colony structure.
Are Black garden ant harmful?
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Usually, the black garden ant won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Black garden ant harmful to humans?

Different kinds of ants cause different troubles to humans. To be sure, compared with other dangerous creatures, common ants are very harmful to humans, and most of them just gather in the courtyard or room to disturb human life.
But there are some dangerous groups. They have strong jaws and sting needles and can bite or sting when under stress. Usually, ants only cause physical damage and the pain caused by formic acid. These discomforts do not even need to be dealt with, and can be recovered quickly. But there are still very few ant stings that can cause allergies and even death. Other ants can pollute the environment, destroy buildings, affect harvests and even spread diseases.
Harmful Effects of Black garden ant
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Bite Humans

Black garden ant is not known for biting humans. Such behavior is uncommon in this species, which typically reserves biting for prey capture or colony defense. Direct consequences of occasional bites are generally minimal and present as a mild irritation.

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Nuisance Pests

Black garden ant, commonly forging indoors for food, can be a significant nuisance in homes. Their prevalence, especially in large numbers, can distress occupants, leading to a mild to severe annoyance, depending on infestation scale and individual sensitivity.

More Effects of Black garden ant

Beneficial Effects of Black garden ant
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Seed Dispersal
Seed Dispersal
Black garden ant facilitates seed dispersal through a symbiotic relationship known as myrmecochory. These insects collect and transport seeds that have elaiosomes – nutritious structures that ants desire – to their nests. The seeds are eventually discarded, often in nutrient-rich waste areas favorable for germination.
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