Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger)

Black Garden Ant, a reference photo — Photo: Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA · CC BY 2.0 (licence)

The black garden ant (Lasius niger), also known as the common black ant, is a formicine ant, the type species of the genus Lasius, which is found across Europe and in some parts of North America, and believed to inhabit certain parts of Asia. The European species was split into two species; L. niger, which is found in open areas; and L. platythorax, which is found in forest habitats. It is monogynous, meaning colonies contain a single queen.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Black Garden Ant being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae
Genus: Lasius
Species: Lasius niger

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