Lasius niger

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Black Garden Ant, Common Black Ant

Lasius niger, the black garden , is a formicine ant native to Europe and parts of Asia, and introduced to North America, South America, and Australasia. It is one of the most abundant and intensively studied Palaearctic ant . The species was historically considered strictly monogynous, with single- colonies dispersed by independent colony founding. However, recent research has documented potential for polygynous-supercolonial demography under certain conditions, with massive nest complexes containing tens of thousands of interconnected mounds observed in Ukraine. are known for their -tending and distinctive lemony citronellal scent released when alarmed.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lasius niger: //ˈlæsiəs ˈnaɪdʒər//

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Identification

Lasius niger can be distinguished from the similar Lasius platythorax by : L. niger occurs in open areas while L. platythorax is found in forest habitats. have a narrow petiole (-waist) between and , elbowed , and forewings larger than hindwings in winged reproductive forms. When disturbed, workers release a distinctive lemon-scented citronellal from mandibular glands, a trait shared with other Lasius . The species lacks the wood-destroying habits of carpenter ants (Camponotus).

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Habitat

Open areas including grasslands, meadows, gardens, and urban green spaces. In Europe, it is primarily found in open , distinguishing it from the forest-dwelling Lasius platythorax. Constructs soil nest mounds and maintains well-developed trail networks between nests in large colony complexes.

Distribution

Native to Europe and parts of Asia; introduced to North America, South America, and Australasia. Documented from Belgium (Flanders, Brussels-Capital Region, Walloon Region) and studied in Ukraine (Kyiv region), Russia (Novgorod Oblast), and Japan.

Seasonality

Winged reproductive forms swarm to mate and found new colonies. In temperate regions, swarming typically occurs in warmer months, though some Lasius have been observed emerging in late autumn and early winter (December) in the mid-Atlantic United States region.

Diet

Feeds on honeydew excreted by aphids and other hemipterans, which actively tend and shepherd between plants. Also hunts soft-bodied prey.

Life Cycle

Colonies are typically founded by single mated queens () through independent colony founding, though pleometrosis (cooperative colony founding with multiple queens) has been observed. Queens may exhibit mutual in some , with young mated from the same nest complex showing reduced aggression compared to those from distant populations. populations correlate positively with nest mound volume and diameter.

Behavior

Exhibits sophisticated trail-based foraging with bi-directional traffic flow; when path width is restricted, alternating clusters of inbound and outbound ants form to limit -on encounters and maintain travel . Exploration increases with starvation duration, with proportion of nestmates leaving the nest doubling after 8 days of starvation. When alarmed, releases citronellal from mandibular glands to recruit nestmates; also possesses formic acid glands near the tip for defense. demonstrate high degree of organization and specialization in maintaining connections between nest mounds in large complexes.

Ecological Role

engineer that significantly modifies soil properties and influences soil microarthropod . Nest-building activity alters abundance, distribution patterns, and diversity of soil microarthropods, particularly affecting detritivorous guilds (Collembola) more than (Mesostigmata). mounds contain distinct microbial communities with higher fungal abundance than surrounding soil. Serves as for specialized including members of Hybrizontinae. Acts as mutualist with aphids, protecting them and transporting them between plants while feeding on their honeydew.

Human Relevance

Common in gardens and urban green spaces. Not a structural pest—does not damage wood like carpenter ants. May be mistaken for during swarming events, but readily distinguished by elbowed , narrow waist, and unequal wing pairs. Subject of extensive scientific research due to abundance and tractability. Source of diverse -producing microorganisms with potential biotechnological applications.

Similar Taxa

Lasius platythoraxFormerly considered ; distinguished by forest preference versus open habitats of L. niger
Reticulitermes flavipes (Eastern subterranean termite)Winged forms may be confused during swarming; have straight bead-like , broad waist, and equal-sized forewings and hindwings with many fine
Lasius sp. (Citronella ants)Share citronellal scent and general ; specific identification requires examination of and morphology