Lasius balearicus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lasius balearicus |
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The Lasius balearicus is a special type of ant. It belongs to the Lasius group, which includes many common ants. This ant was first found in 1982 by Cedric Alex Collingwood, an expert who studies insects. He was an entomologist from the Royal Entomological Society.
Scientists officially described it as a new species in 2014. This happened after a team from the Institut de Biologia Evolutiva in Barcelona collected a very important sample in 2008. This sample is called a "holotype" and it helps scientists identify the species.
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What Does the Balearic Ant Look Like?
The Lasius balearicus worker ant is quite small. It is usually about 4 millimeters long. This is roughly the size of a small grain of rice. Its body has a unique yellowish-brown color. This color helps it stand out from other ants.
Where Does This Ant Live?
The Lasius balearicus ant lives only on the island of Majorca. Majorca is one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. This makes it a very special ant because it is the first ant species known to live only on these islands. It is also the first Lasius ant species found only on any Mediterranean island.
These ants are found in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range on Majorca. They live in high places, from about 800 to 1400 meters above sea level. Scientists used DNA tests to learn more about this ant. They found that it separated from its closest relatives about 1.51 million years ago. This means it has been living alone in this area for a very long time.
Why Is This Ant Important?
In 2014, the scientists Talavera, Espadaler, and Vila officially described the Lasius balearicus. They suggested that this ant should be listed as an endangered species. This means it is at risk of disappearing forever. They made this recommendation to the IUCN Red List. The IUCN Red List is a global list that tracks species facing extinction. The main reason for this ant's danger is climate change. Protecting this ant helps protect the unique nature of the Balearic Islands.
See also
In Spanish: Lasius balearicus para niños
