Monomorium pharaonis
Description:
Very small; Light yellow to red, with black markings on abdomen. Grows from egg to adult in about 45 days; females live as long as 39 weeks and can lay about 400 eggs; workers only live up to 10 weeks. Pharaoh ants being extremely small can be found in a diversity of places appearing suddenly. They have a wide range of foraging and their nests are usually well hidden. They are very persistant, with large colonies. Inside they are usually found in the kitchen and bathrooms but workers are seen trailing along window sills, and baseboards. They can also be near sources of water in the kitchen and bathrooms, counter tops, toilets, drains and sinks. They prefer to nest in recessed areas like wall voids, under some appliances, wall outlets, and under carpets for protection. They can nest outdoors in lawns and gardens.
