Taxonomy

Lasius umbratus

Distribution

Status

Conservation status

Not Assessed

Species Biology

Identification

  • Small species (body length of workers: 3.8-5.5mm)
  • Workers golden-yellow in colour
  • Queens larger and reddish-brown
  • Males dark brown
  • Could be confused with other Lasius species and the use of a microscope is generally required for identification

Diet

Poorly know, but workers are believed to forage on honeydew produced by root aphids underground. They may occasionally emerge at night or on dull cloudy days and forage for insects above the soil.

Habitat

Poorly known in Ireland, but seems to prefer drier areas of grasslands and wooded scrub.

Flight period

Males emerge in summer, typically appearing between June-September. Workers are rarely seen but are probably active during the milder months of the year, particularly during spring and summer.

Nesting biology

Nesting habits are poorly known in Ireland, but are believed to be constructed among soil under large stones and rocks. This is a species which forms nests by invading nests of other Lasius species. 

Similar species

  • Other Lasius species

Distribution

World distribution(GBIF)

Irish distribution

Confusion with Lasius mixtus means that the distribution of this species in Ireland is unclear, but it appears to be a scarce and local inhabitant in the south if the island.

Temporal change

Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024

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