Monomorium pharaonis

(Pharoah’s ants)

Description

These tiny ants are often seen in houses where they forage for food scraps, and they can penetrate into food packets. Their colonies are highly mobile and they are chiefly spread around the world by humans. They can achieve high densities in buildings and be a significant nuisance. They are thought to originate in Africa. Figured are specimens seen in Panama, photo courtesy of Alex Wild, http://www.myrmecos.net/ants/