Pharaoh ant

Pharaoh ant
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Myrmicinae
Genus: Monomorium
Species:
M. pharaonis
Binomial name
Monomorium pharaonis
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms

Formica pharaonis
Myrmica pharaonis

The pharaoh ant (Monomorium pharaonis) is a small (2 mm) yellow or light brown, almost transparent ant notorious for being a major indoor nuisance pest, especially in hospitals.[1] A cryptogenic species, it has now been introduced to virtually every area of the world, including Europe, the Americas, Australasia and Southeast Asia. It is a major pest in the United States, Australia, and Europe.[2][3] The ant's common name is possibly derived from the mistaken belief that it was one of the Egyptian (pharaonic) plagues.[4]

This species is polygynous—each colony contains many queens—leading to unique caste interactions and colony dynamics. This also allows the colony to fragment into bud colonies quickly.

Pharaoh ants are a tropical species, but they also thrive in buildings almost anywhere, even in temperate regions provided central heating is present.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Indoor/Outdoor was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference pests was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference ufl was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Pharaoh ant". Entomology and Nematology Department of the University of Florida. Retrieved 25 March 2024.