Aphid-tending
Guides
Aphaenogaster
Funnel Ants, Collared Ants
Aphaenogaster is a genus of myrmicine ants comprising approximately 200 described species, including 18 fossil species. Workers are monomorphic with 12-segmented antennae and four-segmented antennal clubs. The genus exhibits diverse nesting habits, with most species nesting in soil, under rocks, or in rotten wood, while some species such as A. mariae are arboreal. Australian species are known for constructing conspicuous funnel-shaped nest entrances up to 4 cm in diameter.
Lasius interjectus
Larger Yellow Ant, Larger Citronella Ant, Citronella Ant
Lasius interjectus, commonly known as the larger yellow ant or larger citronella ant, is a North American ant species distinguished by its yellowish coloration and distinctive lemon-citronella scent. Formerly classified in the genus Acanthomyops (now a subgenus of Lasius), this species nests in soil, often along building foundations, and is known for producing alate swarms that sometimes emerge indoors. The species poses no structural threat to buildings and is recognized by its chemical defense using citronellal and formic acid.
Lasius nearcticus
New World Fuzzy Ant
Lasius nearcticus is a species of citronella ant in the family Formicidae, native to eastern North America. It belongs to a genus characterized by the production of citronellal, a lemon-scented compound used for alarm communication and defense. The species is part of the Nearctic fauna and has been documented in the eastern United States and parts of Canada.
Lasius niger
Black Garden Ant, Common Black Ant
Lasius niger, the black garden ant, 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 species. The species was historically considered strictly monogynous, with single-queen 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. Workers are known for their aphid-tending behavior and distinctive lemony citronellal scent released when alarmed.
Prenolepis
Winter Ants and Allies
Prenolepis is a genus of ants in the subfamily Formicinae with a wide geographic distribution spanning southeastern Asia, southern China, North America, southern Europe, Anatolia, Cuba, Haiti, and West Africa. The genus is best known for P. imparis, commonly called the winter ant or false honey ant, which exhibits unique cold-adapted activity patterns and serves as a model organism for thermal physiology research. Most Prenolepis species are small, ground-nesting ants that inhabit woodland and forest environments.