The small honey ant, sometimes called the false honey ant, may be named for the fact it has been confused with the true honey ant. This ant can be various shades of brown, and has a shiny appearance. Small honey ants are outside dwellers, but on occasion will nest close to structures and forage inside with a preference for sweet foods. Cold weather is actually preferred by these ants, and they come out in temperatures close to freezing. Likewise, they aren't very active when it heats up in the summer.