Scientific Name: Ochetellus glaber
Common Name: Black Household Ant
Size: Workers: 2.5–3.5mm | Queens: 6–7mm
Lifespan: Queens ~5 years, Workers ~6–12 months
Colony Type: Polygynous (Multiple Queens)
Foraging Activity: Diurnal & Nocturnal (Active Day & Night)
Natural Habitat: Urban areas, forests, and grasslands across Australia
Nuptial Flight Season: Spring to early summer (October–December)
Hibernation: No true hibernation; remains active year-round
Founding Type: Semi-claustral – Queen requires occasional feeding in the founding stage
1. Introduction to Black Household Ants
The Black Household Ant (Ochetellus glaber) is one of Australia’s most adaptable native species, thriving in both natural and urban environments. You’ll often find them inside homes, scavenging for sugary treats and crumbs.
Unlike many other ant species, O. glaber is polygynous, meaning multiple queens can coexist peacefully, leading to rapid colony expansion. They are incredibly fast foragers, making them a challenging but fascinating species for ant keepers.
⚠️ Warning: If you’ve ever left a soda can outside, you’ve probably had an unexpected Ochetellus glaber invasion! 😆
2. Natural Habitat and Distribution
Black Household Ants are native to Australia and thrive in a wide variety of environments. You’ll find them in:
🏡 Cities & Suburbs – Nesting in walls, kitchens, and gardens.
🌳 Forests & Woodlands – Under bark, inside logs, and soil.
🏜 Grasslands & Open Fields – Common in sandy, well-drained soil.
Nesting Preferences
🐜 Opportunistic Nesters – Can live in soil, trees, and buildings.
🐜 Polygynous Colonies – Multiple queens = Rapid growth!
🐜 Highly Adaptable – Will relocate nests when needed.
🔗 Related Guide: How to Find Queen Ants in Australia
3. Nuptial Flights – When and Where to Catch a Queen
Catching an Ochetellus glaber queen requires good timing and sometimes… a strategically placed sugary snack!
When Do Black Household Ants Have Nuptial Flights?
📅 Peak Season: Spring to early summer (October–December)
🌡 Weather Conditions: Warm, humid days, often after rain
🕑 Time of Day: Afternoon to early evening (3 PM – 8 PM)
How to Identify a Queen Black Household Ant
✅ Larger Size – ~6–7mm, bulkier than workers.
✅ Glossy Black Exoskeleton – Identical in color to workers but thicker thorax.
✅ Solitary Movement – Newly mated queens roam alone, seeking nesting sites.
🔗 Related Guide: What to Do with a Queen Ant After Capture
4. Founding Stage – Test Tube Setup
Unlike fully claustral queens, Ochetellus glaber queens require occasional feeding during the founding stage.
Test Tube Setup for a Black Household Ant Queen
🧪 Test Tube Size: 16–20mm diameter, glass or plastic.
💧 Water Reservoir: One-third full, sealed with cotton.
🛑 Cotton Plug: Allows airflow while preventing escapes.
🍯 Feeding Needs: Offer tiny drops of honey water every few days.
🌡 Storage Conditions: Keep dark and undisturbed at 24–28°C.
When to Move to a Nest
🏠 Wait until the colony has 20+ workers before transferring to a formicarium.
🔗 Related Guide: The Perfect Test Tube Setup for Queen Ants
5. Housing & Nesting Requirements
These ants are escape experts, so a secure formicarium is essential!
Best Nest Types for Black Household Ants
🏠 Acrylic Nests – Great visibility, easy maintenance.
🏠 3D-Printed Nests – Customizable and expandable.
🏠 Ytong (Aerated Concrete) Nests – Retains moisture well.
🏠 Naturalistic Setups – Allows soil digging, mimicking wild behavior.
🚨 Warning: Ochetellus glaber climbs smooth surfaces with ease, so PTFE barriers or tight-fitting lids are crucial!
🔗 Related Guide: Moving Your Queen Ant to a Formicarium
6. Feeding Black Household Ants
These ants LOVE sugar but also require protein for brood development.
Best Foods for Black Household Ants
🍗 Proteins (for larvae & queen): Mealworms, crickets, small insects.
🍯 Sugars (for worker energy): Honey water, sugar water, soft fruits.
🥤 Bonus Treat: They love syrupy liquids—so don’t leave soda cans unattended! 😆
Feeding Frequency
✅ Feed every 2–3 days and remove leftovers to prevent mold.
🔗 Related Guide: The Ultimate Ant Feeding Guide
7. Seasonal Dormancy & Hibernation
Unlike many ants, Ochetellus glaber remains active all year.
📅 Dormancy Period: None – Active year-round
🌡 Winter Temperature: Can tolerate cooler temps (18–20°C)
🍽 Feeding Adjustments: Reduce feeding slightly, but always provide fresh water
8. Common Problems & Troubleshooting
Problem: Queen Isn’t Laying Eggs
🚨 Possible Causes:
- Too much disturbance – Check only once every 1-2 weeks.
- Temperature too low – Keep at 24–28°C.
- Queen is infertile – If she lays only male eggs, she didn’t mate properly.
🔗 Related Guide: How to Keep Your Ants Safe from Mites and Pests
Final Thoughts
Black Household Ants (Ochetellus glaber) are fast-growing, highly active, and incredibly adaptable, making them a fun but challenging species to keep.
Watching these ants scout, recruit, and swarm food sources is fascinating—but beware: if there’s a tiny gap in your setup, they WILL find it! 😆
✅ Great for intermediate to advanced keepers
❌ Escape-prone – requires secure setups
🐜 Would you keep Black Household Ants? Let us know in the comments!
