Lasius
Guides
Adranes
ant-loving beetles
Adranes is a genus of obligately myrmecophilous beetles in the rove beetle family Staphylinidae. These small beetles are entirely dependent on ants of the genus Lasius, living as inquilines within their nests. The six described species share extreme morphological adaptations for this lifestyle, including complete eyelessness, reduced mouthparts, and highly modified antennae. They are known from North America, with species distributed across the United States and Pacific coast regions.
Hybrizon
Hybrizon is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Hybrizontinae. Members are specialized ant parasitoids that attack ant larvae transported by worker ants. The genus was historically classified variably, previously placed in Braconidae or treated as a separate family, and the subfamily was formerly known as Paxylommatinae. Oviposition behavior involves females grasping ant larvae with their fore legs while exserting the ovipositor.
Hybrizontinae
The subfamily Hybrizontinae comprises ant parasitoid wasps within Ichneumonidae, representing the third most diverse group of ant parasitoids after Eucharitidae and Neoneurini. All members are specialized parasitoids of ant societies. The subfamily exhibits two distinct host-searching strategies: an active strategy where females hover over ant trails to attack larvae carried by workers, and an ambush strategy where females hang from vegetation along trails to oviposit undetected.
parasitoidsantsichneumonidaehost-searching-behaviorovipositionant-parasitoidsJapanEuropeLasiusMyrmicaambush-strategyhovering-strategysocial-insect-parasitismspecialized-morphologyreduced-mouthpartsintraspecific-competitiondiurnal-activitysubgenus-specific-host-rangeevolutionary-arms-racenarrow-search-area-trade-offundetected-ovipositionvegetation-hanging-behaviorhind-leg-grippingant-trail-associationlarval-transport-exploitationdefensive-ant-responsesmandible-threatscapture-riskflight-limitationsgrass-perchinghead-down-postureworker-ant-interactionhost-parasitoid-coevolutionant-society-specializationthird-most-diverse-ant-parasitoid-groupPaxylommatinae-(former-name)Braconidae-(formerly-considered-part-of)separate-family-(formerly-considered)Lasius americanus
Woodland Fuzzy Ant
Lasius americanus, commonly known as the woodland fuzzy ant, is a small ant species in the subfamily Formicinae. Workers are characterized by dusty brown coloration with lighter semi-translucent legs and a distinctive lack of erect setae on the antennae. The species was historically confused with the Eurasian Lasius alienus and was only recognized as a distinct North American species in 2018. It inhabits temperate forests and woodlands, typically found under rotting wood or in trees.
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 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.
Lasius crypticus
Cryptic Fuzzy Ant
Lasius crypticus is a species of ant in the genus Lasius, family Formicidae. Described by E. O. Wilson in 1955, this species is part of a diverse and ecologically significant genus of ants commonly known as citronella or fuzzy ants. The specific epithet 'crypticus' suggests cryptic or hidden characteristics, though detailed ecological information remains limited.
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 minutus
Mound-building Swamp Ant
Lasius minutus is a species of ant in the genus Lasius, commonly known as the Mound-building Swamp Ant. It is a small formicine ant that constructs mounds in wetland habitats. The species has been studied using radioactive phosphorus tracing to understand colony distribution and spatial organization. It belongs to a genus known for citronella-scented defensive compounds and aphid-tending behaviors, though species-specific traits for L. minutus require direct observation.
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 pallitarsis
Pale-legged Fuzzy Ant
Lasius pallitarsis is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, commonly known as the Pale-legged Fuzzy Ant. It belongs to the diverse genus Lasius, which includes species known as citronella ants or yellow ants due to their production of lemon-scented citronellal. The species has been the subject of behavioral studies examining how workers explore novel areas and use chemical orientation cues.