Temporary-social-parasite

Guides

• 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.

  temporary-social-parasitecitronella-antformicidaehymenopteralasiusnorth-americaapricultural-mutualismant-aphid-interaction