Citronella-ant
Guides
Lasius arizonicus
Arizona Citronella Ant
Lasius arizonicus is a species of ant in the genus Lasius, described by William Morton Wheeler in 1917. It is native to the United States, with records from Arizona. The species belongs to a genus commonly known as citronella ants due to the lemony scent produced by defensive secretions. Like other Lasius species, it likely produces citronellal and formic acid as chemical defenses.
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.
Lasius latipes
Wide-legged Citronella Ant
Lasius latipes is a North American ant species in the genus Lasius, commonly known as the Wide-legged Citronella Ant. It is a temporary social parasite that invades established colonies of other ant species, particularly Lasius neoniger, to initiate its own colony. The species produces a characteristic lemony citronella odor as a defensive chemical signal. Native to the United States, it belongs to a genus known for ecological interactions with aphids and other insects.
Lasius murphyi
Murphy's Citronella Ant
Lasius murphyi is a species of citronella ant endemic to the United States and Canada. It belongs to a genus known for producing a lemon-scented defensive compound called citronellal. Like other Lasius species, it likely engages in mutualistic relationships with aphids and other hemipterans, tending them for honeydew. The species was described by Auguste Forel in 1901 and has been historically classified under the genus Acanthomyops, which is now treated as a synonym of Lasius.
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.