Taxonomy
Leptothorax acervorum | Slender Ant
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Small species (body length of workers: 3-4.5mm)
- Head dark brown in colour
- Thorax reddish-orange
- Abdomen dark brown or reddish brown
- Flattened, slender body shape in comparison to other species
Diet
This species is a predator of small insects, although it will also scavenge on dead or dying insects. Workers usually forage singly.
Habitat
This species inhabits a variety of habitat types, but typically areas of scrub, calcareous grassland, woodland edges, moorland and heath.
Flight period
Males may be seen on the wing between June-September, whilst the workers may be observed during the warmer months of the year, typically between April-October.
Nesting biology
A wide variety of nesting sites are exploited depending on the habitat. These may include under stones, rock crevices, rotten wood, peat banks and under bark. Nests are typically small with fewer than 100 workers and 1 or several queens.
Similar species
- None
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Distribution frequency in Ireland
This species is distributed widely in Ireland, although is more frequent in the west and north. It is also more common in hilly areas, on both acidic and calcareous soils. It has not been recorded from several of the southeastern counties.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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