How are Pharaoh Ants characterized in terms of their colony structure?

Pharaoh ants are characterized by forming extremely large colonies with multiple queens, a trait that sets them apart from many other ant species. This colony structure allows them to adapt and thrive in various environments, often leading to the establishment of thriving populations in human dwellings. The presence of multiple queens contributes to their ability to reproduce rapidly and sustain a large colony size, which can sometimes comprise thousands of individuals.

This colony dynamic makes Pharaoh ants particularly challenging to control, as the loss of some queens does not necessarily diminish the colony's reproductive capabilities. Instead, the surviving queens can continue to lay eggs, allowing the colony to persist even after a pest control intervention.

Other options mention characteristics that are not typical for Pharaoh ants. For instance, while some ant species have single queens and are typically found outdoors or have distinct winged males that swarm at certain times, these characteristics do not accurately describe Pharaoh ants' behavior or nesting habits. They are more commonly found indoors, especially in areas that provide warmth and a food source.