Aphid-mutualism
Guides
Camponotus modoc
Western Carpenter Ant, Western Black Carpenter Ant
Camponotus modoc, the western carpenter ant, is a large black ant species native to western North America. Workers exhibit polymorphism, ranging from 7 to 13 mm in length, with dark red legs contrasting against a black body. The species constructs nests in dead wood, including forest logs and human structures, and is known for its mutualistic associations with aphids, particularly Cinara occidentalis on white fir. Research demonstrates trail fidelity and colony recognition abilities, with workers returning to specific aphid colonies even after displacement.
carpenter-antwestern-north-americaaphid-mutualismstructural-pestpolymorphismtrail-fidelitychemical-ecologygiant-sequoia-forestforest-ecologyurban-pestCamponotiniFormicinaeHymenopterainvasive-potentialnestmate-recognitionalarm-communicationforaging-ecologyconifer-forestwood-excavationsatellite-colonyLasius
Citronella Ants, Fuzzy Ants, Moisture Ants, Yellow Ants, Lemon Ants
Lasius is a genus of formicine ants comprising approximately 100 species distributed across the Holarctic region. The genus exhibits remarkable ecological diversity, including free-living species, temporary social parasites, and the hyper-social parasite Lasius fuliginosus. Many species are known as "citronella ants" due to their production of citronellal, a lemon-scented defensive compound. Lasius species are significant ecosystem engineers that modify soil properties and engage in mutualistic relationships with root-feeding aphids, herding them for honeydew production.
Lasius brevicornis
Short-horned Meadow Ant
Lasius brevicornis is a small ant species in the genus Lasius, commonly known as the Short-horned Meadow Ant. It is the North American counterpart to the European yellow meadow ant (Lasius flavus), with which it was formerly confused. The species inhabits meadow and grassland environments, where it constructs subterranean nests and tends root-feeding aphids for honeydew.
Lasius claviger
smaller yellow ant, common citronella ant, yellow ant, lemon ant, citronella ant
Lasius claviger, commonly known as the smaller yellow ant or citronella ant, is a North American ant species described by Roger in 1862. Formerly classified in the genus (now subgenus) Acanthomyops, it belongs to the genus Lasius. The species is notable for producing a distinctive lemony citronellal scent from glands near its jaws when disturbed, and for its habit of tending root-feeding aphids for honeydew. Winged reproductive forms swarm in late autumn and early winter, often causing concern when mistaken for termites.