■Taxonomy: Formicinae
■Size: Workers: 3,5 - 5 mm, Queen: 8 - 9 mm
■Color: shinny black
■Distribution: throughout Europe
■Nutrition: primary honey- or sugar water and later protein in the form of insects
■Hibernation: Yes
■Temperature: 20° - 25° C
■Nest building: Soil nests, builds small soil based mounds between grass stems or under stones