Jet Black Ant vs Odorous House Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Jet Black Ant | Odorous House Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lasius fuliginosus | Tapinoma sessile |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 2.5-3 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Indoors |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Jet Black Ant
A shiny jet-black ant that builds carton nests inside hollow trees using chewed wood mixed with honeydew. It cultivates a specific fungus that strengthens the nest walls.
Did You Know?
The fungus Cladosporium myrmecophilum grows exclusively in the carton nests of this ant species.
Odorous House Ant
A small dark brown ant that emits a distinctive rotten coconut smell when crushed. It is one of the most common household pest ants in North America.
Did You Know?
The smell produced when crushed is caused by methyl ketones, the same compounds found in blue cheese.