Odorous House Ant
ExploreInsects
Odorous House Ant
Tapinoma sessile
The Odorous House Ant is a tiny ant that can be found in many homes. They are named for their sweet smell, which is released when they are squished. These ants work together in large groups to find food and build their nests.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Odorous House Ant is a tiny, dark brown to black ant with a smooth, shiny body. It has a single, almost hidden node on its petiole, giving it a streamlined appearance. Its small stature and uniform dark color help distinguish it from larger, lighter-colored ants.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyFormicidaeGenusTapinoma
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
6
Interesting facts
Odorous house ants can invade homes by the thousands, seeking sugary snacks.
These ants have multiple queens in a single colony, making them super adaptable.
They can survive being submerged in water for several days, wow!
They often "herd" tiny aphids, protecting them for their sweet honeydew.
Special abilities
Ability
Stink Bomb Shield
Odorous House Ant can release a strong, rotten coconut smell when squished, which deters predators.
Ability
Anywhere Nesting
Odorous House Ant can build nests in diverse locations, from soil to wall voids, helping them adapt anywhere.
Ability
Lightning Escape
Odorous House Ant has a fast, erratic running pattern that helps them quickly evade dangers.
Ability
Sweet Treat Scout
Odorous House Ant can quickly locate and recruit colony members to new food sources, especially sugary ones.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 2-3.5 mm
- Lifespan
- 45-70 days
- Leg Count
- 6
- Colony Size
- 100-10000
Diet & Feeding
These tiny ants love to munch on sweets, oils, and even dead insects!
Primary Foods
- honeydew
- sugary foods
- dead insects
- fats/oils
- fruits
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Garden Spider
Araneus diadematus
A tasty snack for various spiders.
symbiotic with
Cotton Aphid
Aphis gossypii
Protects aphids for their sweet honeydew.
eaten by
Downy Woodpecker
Picoides pubescens
Birds forage for these ants.
eats
House Fly
Musca domestica
Forages on dead house flies.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Scavenger
Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Coconut Ant
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't touch ants or their nests; they are best admired from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Odorous House Ant?
2-3.5 mm
How long does Odorous House Ant live?
45-70 days
What does Odorous House Ant eat?
These tiny ants love to munch on sweets, oils, and even dead insects!
Where is Odorous House Ant usually found?
Urban areas
How does Odorous House Ant hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Odorous House Ant have?
6
How large are Odorous House Ant colonies?
100-10000
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Zoo24 sightings14 species
Indiana, US
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
You might spot African Lion, Tiger, and Aurelia Aurita.
View guide →
Park29 sightings13 species
Virginia, US
Chandon Park
You might spot Odorous House Ant and Willow Leaf Beetle.
View guide →
Park32 sightings9 species
Virginia, US
Backlick Stream Valley Park
You might spot Garlic Mustard, Violets, and Wineberry.
View guide →
