Taxonomy
Lasius fuliginosus | Jet Ant
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Small to medium-sized species (body length of workers: 4-6mm)
- Head, thorax and thorax shining black in colour
- Legs pale brown
- Head distinctly heart-shaped
- Could be confused with other black ant species, although the head shape is fairly distinctive
Diet
Workers forage primarily on honeydew produced by tree-dwelling aphids. Conspicuous trails of workers are often found on woodland floors or tree trunks. Occasionally dead or dying insects may also be taken by the workers.
Habitat
Primarily an inhabitant of old woodlands, scrub and pasture. It can be particularly dominant in old oak woodland.
Flight period
Males are active between June-September. Workers are active during the milder months of the year, particularly during spring and summer.
Nesting biology
This species is a hyperparasite, using Lasius umbratus or L. mixtus as hosts, which in turn use Lasius flavus or L.niger as hosts. Nests are usually constructed in dead tree trunks or rotting wood, but may also be formed around the base of trees, under stones and in soil. They may consist of one or multiple queens and several hundred workers.
Similar species
- Other black ant species
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
A scarce species which appears to be confined to the south of the island, particularly around counties Cork, Kerry, Clare and Wexford. Evidence suggests that is declining in Ireland, probably as a result of the destruction of old deciduous woodlands.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2025
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