Scientific name

Monomorium minimum (Buckley) 

Common name

Little black ant

Hindi

Chinti

Sanskrit 

Pipilika

Distribution

Throughout India                            

Religious association

The black ant is called Ganesha ant.

The anthill is especially sacred in rural India and dismantling one is said to bring bad luck. The anthill is called valmikah. The author of the Ramayana was Valmiki, so-called because he reappeared, after years of meditation, from an anthill. The ant is revered in other cultures also. In parts of Africa, they are messengers of the gods.