Lasius neoniger

Emery, 1893

turfgrass ant, Labour day ant, cornfield ant, nuisance ant

Lasius neoniger is a small native to North America, most abundant in the eastern United States and Canada. It is notable for its polydomous colony structure with multiple nest entrances, strong fidelity to specific entrances, and seasonal territorial expansion correlated with foraging activity. The species is a known for the Pseudometagea schwarzii and has been documented engaging in competitive confrontations with imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta).

Lasius neoniger by (c) Jake Nitta, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jake Nitta. Used under a CC-BY license.

Lasius neoniger casent0103980 dorsal 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Lasius neoniger casent0005403 label 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lasius neoniger: //ˈlæ.si.əs ˌniː.oʊˈnaɪ.dʒər//

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Identification

Distinguished from other Lasius by its preference for open including lawns and sidewalks, its polydomous nest structure with multiple entrances, and its light brown coloration with darker . The species' timing around early September (near Labour Day in North America) provides a seasonal diagnostic cue. Confrontation with imported fire ants and association with turfgrass environments may aid identification in areas of sympatry with similar species.

Images

Appearance

Small ants, usually light brown in color with a slightly darker . are relatively small compared to other Lasius .

Habitat

Open including lawns, sidewalks, and disturbed areas. Colonies prefer to nest in open environments rather than forested or shaded habitats. On golf courses, specifically associated with putting greens. One of the first to colonize disturbed areas.

Distribution

Native to North America. Common in the eastern United States and Canada; present across the continent including Vermont. Distribution on golf course putting greens has been specifically studied.

Seasonality

occurs around the beginning of September, near Labour Day. Colonies become active in early summer, expand foraging area until midsummer, then decrease active nest entrances in late summer. Nest entrance changes seasonally: clumped in early spring, random in mid- and late summer at the level.

Host Associations

Pseudometagea schwarzii - Eucharitid ; deposited in vegetation surrounding nest, first instar larvae () transfer to ant larvae by attaching to ants; up to 90% of may occur
Aphids - mutualisttends aphids for honeydew; has been observed shepherding root-feeding aphids between plants to optimize honeydew production (inferred from -level in Lasius, requires -specific confirmation)

Life Cycle

Colonies are monogynous (single ) and do not accept additional queens or merge with other colonies. New queens dig a claustral chamber and hibernate through winter before establishing colonies the following spring. Developmental stages: , larva, pupa, . Pseudometagea schwarzii overwinters as internal , completes development as external parasite after pupates in spring.

Behavior

Exhibits polydomous nest structure with multiple entrances distributed throughout the foraging area; show strong fidelity to specific nest entrances. Territorial expansion, measured by increases in nest entrances, correlates with foraging activity. Engages in confrontation with imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). Foraging success highest within 15–20 cm of nest entrances; intra- and negatively affects prey retrieval.

Ecological Role

Early colonizer of disturbed areas. Building of nests triples soil respiration and increases local biodiversity by encouraging other insects to establish, which subsequently attracts additional animals and plants. Polydomous structure partitions territory by spatial subdivision of foragers, potentially reducing competitive prey loss. Acts as for and mutualist with aphids.

Human Relevance

Considered a nuisance pest in turfgrass environments including lawns and golf course putting greens, hence the "nuisance ." Subject of management studies on golf courses. timing around Labour Day provides a notable seasonal marker. Not a structural pest like carpenter ants; does not destroy wood.

Similar Taxa

Lasius nigerSimilar and ; L. neoniger distinguished by North American distribution, preference for open , and September timing
Solenopsis invicta (imported fire ant)Documented competitor with which L. neoniger engages in confrontation ; distinguished by aggressive behavior, sting, and different colony structure
Lasius ponderosaeRelated Lasius ; L. neoniger distinguished by preference for open areas rather than forested environments and association with different relationships

More Details

Nest dispersion patterns

Within colonies, nest entrances are significantly overdispersed (mean distance 37.7±3.3 cm). At the level, nest entrance changes from clumped in early spring to random in mid- and late summer.

Parasitoid localization

The Pseudometagea schwarzii does not usually leave the nest area; through foraging activities, are returned to the originally parasitized colony, intensifying and localizing the parasitoid .