Lasius
ExploreInsects
Lasius
Lasius
Lasius ants are small, hardworking insects that live in colonies. They are often seen marching in lines and are great at helping the environment by cleaning up and aerating the soil.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Lasius ant is a small insect, typically dark brown to black, ranging from 2-9 mm in length, with queens being larger. It has a segmented body with a distinct waist and six legs. Many species appear smooth and shiny without excessive body hair.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyFormicidaeGenusLasius
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
During winter, Lasius ants hibernate, becoming nearly inactive until spring arrives.
Lasius queens can live for over 20 years, laying thousands of eggs!
Some Lasius species will 'kidnap' pupae from other ants to be their workers!
They follow invisible scent trails, leading them directly to food and back to their nest.
Special abilities
Ability
Nature's Dairy Farmers
Lasius can 'farm' aphids for their sweet honeydew, protecting them in exchange for this sugary treat.
Ability
Acidic Spray
Lasius can spray formic acid from their abdomens, which helps them defend against threats and hunt small prey.
Ability
Underground Architects
Lasius can build complex underground nests with many tunnels and chambers, providing safety and food storage.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 8-15 mm
- Size
- 2-9 mm
- Lifespan
- 60-7300 days
- Leg Count
- 6
- Colony Size
- 500-50000
Diet & Feeding
Lasius ants enjoy sugary liquids like honeydew and small insects for energy and protein.
Primary Foods
- honeydew
- nectar
- small insects
- seeds
- scavenged food
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Green Woodpecker
Picus viridis
Green woodpeckers frequently dig up ant nests.
symbiotic with
Black Bean Aphid
Aphis fabae
Lasius ants tend aphids for sugary honeydew.
eaten by
European Red Ant
Myrmica rubra
Larger Myrmica ants can raid Lasius nests.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Be careful not to disturb ant nests, as they can bite if they feel threatened.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lasius's wingspan?
8-15 mm
How big is Lasius?
2-9 mm
How long does Lasius live?
60-7300 days
What does Lasius eat?
Lasius ants enjoy sugary liquids like honeydew and small insects for energy and protein.
Where is Lasius usually found?
Forests
How does Lasius hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Lasius have?
6
How large are Lasius colonies?
500-50000
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