Lasius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lasius |
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| Lasius niger, type species. | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Formicidae |
| Subfamily: | Formicinae |
| Tribe: | Lasiini |
| Genus: | Lasius Fabricius, 1804 |
| Diversity | |
| 149 species | |
| Synonyms | |
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Lasius is a group of ants that are found all over the world. The most well-known ant in this group is the black garden ant, called Lasius niger. You might have seen these ants in your garden! Other common types include the cornfield ant (L. neoniger) and L. alienus. These ants often live in dry, open areas.
Some Lasius ants are called "social parasites." This means they sometimes take over the nests of other ant species. One interesting ant is Lasius flavus, also known as the yellow meadow ant. It builds grassy mounds in fields. In the Alps, people used to use these ant mounds as natural compasses. This is because the ants always built their nests facing east to catch the morning sun!
Another special group within Lasius is called Acanthomyops. Ants like L. interjectus and L. claviger are known as citronella ants. They get this name because they smell like citronella oil, which is often used in bug sprays.
Moisture Ants: Tiny Builders
Many Lasius species are known as "moisture ants" in the United States. They like to build their nests in damp places. You can often find them in or around rotting wood. They also build nests under rocks.
Sometimes, these ants might build nests inside buildings. They especially like parts of foundations that touch the soil. Don't worry, they are not a big problem for buildings. They only dig tunnels in wood that is already rotten. They won't damage healthy wood.
Some moisture ants build special "carton-like" nests. These nests are made from bits of decayed wood. The ants stick these pieces together using a sweet liquid called honeydew. They also use a sticky substance from their own bodies.
Moisture ant workers are small, usually 2 to 3 millimeters long. They can be yellow or dark brown. These ants are quite shy. They mostly look for food at night. They love sweet things like honeydew. They also hunt small insects.
You might notice these ants more in late summer or fall. This is when the winged male and female ants fly out to find mates. If you see many flying ants inside, it could be a sign of a nest nearby.
It's easy to tell moisture ants apart from carpenter ants. Carpenter ants are much bigger. Also, moisture ants have a small dip on their back. Carpenter ants have a smooth, rounded back. Common moisture ant species include L. alienus, L. neoniger, and some Acanthomyops ants.
Species of Lasius Ants
There are many different kinds of Lasius ants. Scientists have found about 149 species! Each species has its own unique habits and places it likes to live. Some are found in forests, others in open fields, and some even live in very cold places. Studying these different species helps us understand more about the amazing world of ants.
See also
In Spanish: Lasius para niños
