pharaoh ant
(also pharaoh's ant)
noun
A small yellowish African ant that has established itself worldwide, living as a pest in heated buildings.
- Monomorium pharaonis, family Formicidae.
- Pharaoh ants are commonly found in kitchens and storerooms. They like places that are warm and humid. They will nest in any crack or crevice in any structure such as between bricks and also folded bags or newspapers.
Origin
So named because such ants were believed to be one of the plagues of ancient Egypt.