Lasius neglectus
| Lasius neglectus | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Formicidae |
| Genus: | Lasius |
| Species: | L. neglectus |
| Binomial name | |
| Lasius neglectus Van Loon, Boomsma & Andrásfalvy, 1990 [1] |
|
Lasius neglectus is a polygynous, sometimes invasive, ant of the genus Lasius. The ant was identified in 1990 after establishing a colony in Budapest, Hungary.[2] Superficially, they are similar in appearance to the common black garden ant, Lasius niger, but have significantly different behavioural patterns, particularly in the social structure within colonies.[2]
Lasius neglectus occupies 'super colonies', systems of interconnected nests with many queens, estimated to be over 35,500 in some colonies.[3] The queens, instead of moving to a new nest to start a new colony, will mate within the existing colony.[4] Unlike most ant species, queens mate underground and are incapable of flight. As the occupants of these colonies are related, they do not demonstrate territorial aggression.[4]
Lasius neglectus can outnumber native European varieties of ant by 10 to 100 times in infested gardens and, as such, has been considered a pest in many central European countries.[5][6] The species has spread as far as Jena in Germany, Ghent in Belgium and Warsaw in Poland.[7] A colony has been reported in Gloucestershire in England, where it demonstrates an affinity for outdoor electrical fittings.[8]
Lasius neglectus is believed to be prey for several animals and insects, specifically Clytra laeviuscula and some Picidae family birds.[9]
[edit] References
- ^ "Lasius neglectus Van Loon, Boomsma & Andrásfalvy". Invasive ants. Landcare Research. http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/research/biocons/invertebrates/Ants/invasive_ants/lasneg_info.asp. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
- ^ a b Richard Black (3 December 2008). "Ant invader knocks on UK's door". BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7761342.stm. Retrieved 1 August 2009.
- ^ X.Espadaler; S.Rey; V.Bernal (2004). "Queen number in a supercolony of the invasive garden ant, Lasius neglectus". Insectes sociaux 51 (3): 232. http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=16056480.
- ^ a b Louise Gray (2 December 2008). "Invasive foreign ant could be heading to Britain". Daily Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/3542574/Invasive-foreign-ant-could-be-heading-to-Britain.html. Retrieved 1 August 2009.
- ^ Xavier Espadaler and Víctor Bernal (11 May 2006). "Lasius neglectus - pest status". Centre de Recerca Ecològica i Aplicacions Forestals. http://www.creaf.uab.es/xeg/lasius/Ingles/peststatus.htm. Retrieved 1 August 2009.
- ^ James Randerson (3 December 2008). "'Super ants' threaten UK gardens, scientists warn". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/dec/03/super-ants-invade-uk-wildlife-gardens. Retrieved 1 August 2009.
- ^ Xavier Espadaler and Víctor Bernal (24 July 2009). "Lasius neglectus - distribution". Centre de Recerca Ecològica i Aplicacions Forestals. http://www.creaf.uab.es/xeg/lasius/Ingles/distribution.htm. Retrieved 1 August 2009.
- ^ "Power-Crazed Super Ants Invade England". Sky News. 1 August 2009. http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Ants-Invade-England-Asian-Super-Ants-Found-At-Hidcote-Manor-Gloucestershire/Article/200908115351611?f=vg. Retrieved 1 August 2009.
- ^ Xavier Espadaler and Víctor Bernal (29 April 2008). "Lasius neglectus - interactions". Centre de Recerca Ecològica i Aplicacions Forestals. http://www.creaf.uab.es/xeg/lasius/Ingles/interactions.htm. Retrieved 1 August 2009.
