Lasius
Ant genus · 147 species · 52 countries
- Genus
- Lasius
- Subfamily
- Formicinae
- Tribe
- Lasiini
- Distribution
- Found in 52 countries
- Colony form
- monogynous, polygynous, optionally polygynous
- Nuptial flight
- Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
- Species count
- 147 species (21 fossil)
About Lasius
Lasius is a genus within the family Formicidae , classified in the subfamily Formicinae (tribe Lasiini) . AntScout currently documents 147 species in this genus, distributed across 52 countries , including Afghanistan, Algeria, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium.
Species in this genus exhibit monogynous and polygynous and optionally polygynous colony structures. Monogynous colonies have a single reproductive queen, making them straightforward to start from a single founding queen - ideal for beginner ant keepers. Polygynous colonies can host multiple queens, allowing for rapid colony growth.
Nuptial flights of Lasius species have been recorded during: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov. These flights are when new queens and males leave the nest to mate - the best time to find a founding queen in the wild.
Where Lasius Is Found
Species in this genus are documented in 52 countries:
Frequently Asked Questions
How many species does Lasius have?
The genus Lasius includes 147 species documented on AntScout, spread across 52 countries. 21 of these are fossil species.
Where do Lasius ants live?
Lasius species are found in 52 countries , including Afghanistan, Algeria, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium. Distribution varies by species - check individual species pages for precise range maps.
When do Lasius ants have their nuptial flight?
Nuptial flights of Lasius species have been observed in Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov. This is the best time to find a founding queen in the wild. Use the AntScout flight calendar for species-specific predictions.
Can I buy Lasius ants?
Lasius ants may be available from ant dealers depending on your region. Some species are popular in the hobby and regularly sold as founding queens or small colonies. Check local antkeeping communities or specialty shops in your country.
Are Lasius ants good for beginners?
This depends on the specific species. Some Lasius species are beginner-friendly with straightforward care requirements, while others may need specific conditions. Browse the individual species profiles below for care difficulty and requirements.
All Lasius Species (147)
Click a species to view its full profile, including distribution map, care information, nuptial flight calendar, and identification photos.
- Lasius alienoflavus 1 country monogynous
- Lasius alienus Cornfield Ant 15 countries monogynous
- Lasius americanus Woodland Fuzzy Ant 2 countries polygynous
- Lasius anthracinus Fossil
- Lasius aphidicola Shaded Fuzzy Ant 2 countries
- Lasius arizonicus Arizona Citronella Ant 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius atopus Strange Fuzzy Ant 1 country
- Lasius austriacus 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius balcanicus 4 countries monogynous
- Lasius balearicus 1 country
- Lasius bicornis 13 countries monogynous
- Lasius bombycinus 5 countries monogynous
- Lasius brevicornis Short-horned Meadow Ant 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius brevipalpus 1 country
- Lasius brunneus Brown Tree Ant 12 countries monogynousoptionally polygynous
- Lasius buccatus monogynous
- Lasius bureni 1 country monogynous
- Lasius californicus California Citronella Ant 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius capitatus
- Lasius carniolicus 9 countries polygynous
- Lasius casevitzi 3 countries monogynous
- Lasius chambonensis Fossil
- Lasius chinensis 1 country monogynous
- Lasius cinereus 3 countries monogynous
- Lasius citrinus 13 countries monogynous
- Lasius claviger Common Citronella Ant 2 countries polygynous
- Lasius colei 1 country
- Lasius coloradensis Colorado Citronella Ant 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius coloratus 1 country monogynous
- Lasius creightoni 1 country
- Lasius creticus monogynous
- Lasius crinitus 1 country monogynous
- Lasius crispus Fossil monogynous
- Lasius crypticus Cryptic Fuzzy Ant 1 country monogynous
- Lasius cyperus
- Lasius distinguendus 14 countries monogynous
- Lasius draco
- Lasius elevatus 1 country monogynous
- Lasius emarginatus Central European Bicolored Ant 11 countries monogynous
- Lasius epicentrus Fossil
- Lasius excavatus
- Lasius fallax 1 country
- Lasius flavescens 3 countries monogynous
- Lasius flavoniger 1 country monogynous
- Lasius flavus Yellow Meadow Ant 17 countries monogynouspolygynousoptionally polygynous
- Lasius frequens monogynous
- Lasius fuji 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius fuliginosus Jet Ant 15 countries monogynouspolygynousoptionally polygynous
- Lasius globularis Fossil 1 country
- Lasius glom Fossil
- Lasius grandis 3 countries monogynous
- Lasius hayashi 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius hikosanus
- Lasius himalayanus 1 country monogynous
- Lasius hirsutus
- Lasius humilis 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius illyricus 9 countries monogynous
- Lasius inflatus Fossil
- Lasius interjectus Larger Citronella Ant 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius israelicus
- Lasius japonicus 3 countries monogynous
- Lasius jensi 10 countries
- Lasius kabaki 1 country monogynous
- Lasius karpinisi
- Lasius koreanus 1 country monogynous
- Lasius kritikos
- Lasius lasioides 10 countries monogynous
- Lasius latipes Wide-legged Citronella Ant 3 countries monogynous
- Lasius lawarai 1 country
- Lasius longaevus Fossil 1 country
- Lasius longiceps
- Lasius longipalpus 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius longipennis Fossil
- Lasius magnus 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius maltaeus 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius mauretanicus 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius meridionalis 11 countries monogynouspolygynous
- Lasius mexicanus Mexican Citronella Ant 1 country monogynous
- Lasius mikir
- Lasius minutus Mound-building Swamp Ant 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius mixtus 13 countries
- Lasius mordicus Fossil
- Lasius morisitai 1 country monogynous
- Lasius murphyi Murphy's Citronella Ant 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius myops 12 countries monogynous
- Lasius nearcticus New World Fuzzy Ant 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius neglectus Invasive Garden Ant 11 countries polygynous
- Lasius nemorivagus Fossil
- Lasius neoniger Turfgrass Ant 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius nevadensis Charleston Ant 1 country monogynous
- Lasius niger Black Garden Ant 17 countries monogynous
- Lasius nigrescens
- Lasius nipponensis 1 country monogynous
- Lasius nitidigaster 5 countries monogynous
- Lasius oblongus Fossil
- Lasius obscuratus 7 countries monogynous
- Lasius occidentalis Western Citronella Ant 3 countries monogynous
- Lasius occultatus Fossil 1 country
- Lasius ophthalmicus Fossil 1 country
- Lasius orientalis 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius pallitarsis Pale-legged Fuzzy Ant 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius paralienus 11 countries monogynous
- Lasius peritulus Fossil 1 country
- Lasius persicus 1 country monogynous
- Lasius piliferus 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius platythorax 14 countries monogynous
- Lasius plumopilosus Feathery Citronella Ant 1 country
- Lasius pogonogynus 1 country
- Lasius ponderosae 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius precursor 1 country polygynousoptionally polygynous
- Lasius productus 1 country monogynous
- Lasius przewalskii monogynous
- Lasius psammophilus 14 countries monogynous
- Lasius pubescens 1 country monogynous
- Lasius punctulatus Fossil
- Lasius rabaudi 6 countries monogynous
- Lasius reginae 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius sabularum 12 countries monogynous
- Lasius sakagamii 1 country polygynous
- Lasius schaeferi monogynous
- Lasius schiefferdeckeri Fossil 3 countries monogynous
- Lasius schulzi 1 country monogynous
- Lasius sichuensis 1 country monogynous
- Lasius silvaticus 1 country monogynous
- Lasius sitiens 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius sonobei 1 country monogynous
- Lasius spathepus 3 countries monogynous
- Lasius speculiventris Shiny-bellied Fuzzy Ant 2 countries
- Lasius subglaber Somewhat Hairy Citronella Ant 2 countries polygynous
- Lasius subumbratus Less Shady Fuzzy Ant 2 countries polygynous
- Lasius talpa 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius tapinomoides 1 country monogynous
- Lasius tebessae 1 country monogynous
- Lasius tibialis
- Lasius truncatus Fossil
- Lasius tunisius
- Lasius turcicus 5 countries monogynouspolygynousoptionally polygynous
- Lasius umbratus Yellow Shadow Ant 17 countries monogynous
- Lasius uzbeki 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius validus Fossil
- Lasius vestitus 2 countries monogynous
- Lasius vetulus Fossil
- Lasius viehmeyeri
- Lasius vostochni monogynous
- Lasius vulgaris Fossil
- Lasius wittmeri 1 country
- Lasius xerophilus White Sands Fuzzy Ant 1 country monogynous