Lasius emarginatus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Formicoidea
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Formicinae
Tribe: Lasiini
Genus: Lasius
Species: emarginatus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lasius emarginatus: /ˈleɪ.si.əs ɛˌmɑr.dʒɪˈneɪ.təs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Lasius emarginatus casent0172762 head 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Myrmecophiles (Guests of Ants) in British Isles by Natural History British Museum: Hymenoptera Section. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Lasius emarginatus casent0172762 label 1 by Michele Esposito. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Lasius emarginatus casent0172762 dorsal 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Lasius emarginatus by The original uploader was Zaybacker at French Wikipedia.. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

Lasius emarginatus is a small, omnivorous ant species native to western Eurasia that has recently been introduced to urban areas of the United States and is known for its rapid spread as an invasive species in Manhattan.

Physical Characteristics

Workers: 3 to 5.5 mm; Females: 7–10 mm; Males: 7-14.5 mm. Reddish or brownish-red thorax, brown head and abdomen for workers and females; males are completely brown. Long scapi (1st antennal segments) overreaching the vertex.

Identification Tips

Look for contrasting orange-brown alitrunk and long scapi that overreach the vertex.

Habitat

Urban areas, particularly above-ground-level floors in taller buildings in Manhattan.

Distribution

Western Palearctic (Europe, the Caucasus, Asia Minor); invasive in Manhattan, USA.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding on a variety of organic materials.

Life Cycle

Queens may live for up to 30 years; workers have a lifespan of approximately 3 years.

Reproduction

Nuptial flights occur between June and August, with colony founding typically achieved by independent queens or through pleometrosis.

Predators

Not explicitly mentioned, but they are not aggressive and may attack potential predators when necessary.

Ecosystem Role

As an invasive species, they are impacting urban ecosystems in the areas they have invaded.

Economic Impact

As a dominant urban pest in Manhattan, they may cause disruptions in local ecosystems and could affect human activities.

Cultural Significance

Gained notoriety as the invasive 'ManhattAnt' since its introduction to NYC.

Misconceptions

Not aggressive but can defend their territory if necessary; often mischaracterized due to their invasive nature rather than their native behaviors.