Need help identifying this tiny ant (France, ~2–2.5 mm)
Hi everyone!
I've been trying to identify this ant species for quite a while and I'd love some help.
Location: Paris, France.
Size: about 2–2.5 mm (see ruler in the photos).
These ants have been living in my apartment building for about five years. They nest somewhere under the floor (or possibly in the building structure) and regularly forage inside through small gaps along the baseboards.
They seem to be mainly attracted to sugary food (honey, sugar syrup, etc.).
They are extremely small, have a dark body with lighter legs, and what strikes me most is their rather low, elongated profile compared to the common black garden ants (Lasius niger). Their movement is also different: they constantly stop, scan the surroundings with their antennae, and change direction frequently.
I have never observed obvious fights around food, even though many workers can gather at the same feeding spot.
I suspect they might belong to the genus Tapinoma, but I'm far from certain.
I've attached photos from above, from the side, with a ruler for scale, and a short video.
Any ideas? Even just the genus would already help a lot!
I've become genuinely fascinated by this little colony after observing it for several years, so I'd love to finally know what species it is.