Lasius latipes

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Hard
• Origin & Habitat: Coast-to-coast across southern Canada and northern United States, from the East Coast west to the Pacific Northwest, with southern extensions to Arizona, New Mexico, and the southeastern states ^[1]. Found in open forests, woodlands, pine barrens, meadows, and grassy areas with scattered oak trees. Nests under stones or logs or directly in soil in sandy, well-drained soils ^[4].
• Colony Type: Temporary social parasite, queens must invade and parasitize host colonies of Lasius americanus, L. crypticus, and L. neoniger to establish colonies ^[2]. Queens enter host colonies immediately after nuptial flights ^[5]. Once established, colonies are functionally monogyne with the parasitic queen as the sole reproductive.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: 7-9 mm inferred from Lasius genus patterns, specific total length measurements unavailable ^[2].
  • Worker: 3.0-5.0 mm total length ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown for established colonies. In Michigan,56 L. latipes colonies were found among 110 Acanthomyops colonies over 20 years ^[6].
  • Growth: Moderate, estimated based on related Lasius species. Once host workers are replaced by their own, growth follows typical Lasius patterns.
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature based on related Lasius species. Specific development data unavailable. (Development occurs within the host colony after the queen establishes herself. First workers (nanitics) are raised by host workers.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep around 22-26°C. Nuptial flights occur at 22.8-27.2°C (73-81°F) ^[6]. Temperate species so room temperature is often suitable.
  • Humidity: Prefers dry to moderate conditions. In nature, nests in well-drained sandy soils ^[6]. Avoid overly damp substrates, keep nest substrate slightly moist but not wet.
  • Diapause: Yes, as a temperate species, colonies require a winter rest period. Provide 4-6 months of cold storage at 5-10°C during winter.
  • Nesting: Subterranean nesting. Use a test tube setup initially, then move to a formicarium with compact chambers. They prefer tight spaces and will nest in soil or sand. Provide a layer of sandy soil as substrate.
• Behavior: These ants are almost entirely subterranean and appear to be nocturnal, workers are rarely seen leaving the nest during daylight except during nuptial flights ^[3]. They are not aggressive and rarely nest near human buildings. Escape risk is moderate, their small size means they can squeeze through small gaps, so use standard barrier methods. Workers are generalist predators and also tend root aphids for honeydew ^[4]. The enlarged front legs help them dig new nests rapidly ^[4]. This species has a Vulnerable (VU D2) conservation status ^[1].
• Common Issues: temporary parasitic founding makes this species difficult to establish, queens must find and invade host colonies., colonies are rarely available since they cannot be collected as established colonies like typical ants., subterranean lifestyle means you may rarely see workers outside the nest., slow colony growth during the transition from host-dependent to independent colony., difficulty finding appropriate host species (L. americanus, L. neoniger, L. crypticus) for colony founding., this species is legally protected in some areas due to its Vulnerable conservation status, check local laws before acquiring.

Colony Founding and Social Parasitism

Lasius latipes is a temporary social parasite, meaning its queens cannot found colonies independently like most ants. Instead, a newly mated queen must find and invade an established colony of a host species, specifically Lasius americanus, Lasius crypticus, or Lasius neoniger ^[2]. The queen enters the host colony immediately after her nuptial flight ^[5]. Host colonies tend to accept the intruding gyne, likely because the parasite queen produces chemical signals that trick the host workers ^[5]. Once inside, the queen either kills the host queen or suppresses her reproduction and uses the host workers to raise her own first brood. After the original host workers die of old age, the colony becomes entirely composed of the parasite species' workers. This parasitic founding method is why this species is considered difficult to keep, you cannot simply collect a founding queen and expect her to raise workers alone. Established colonies are rarely available for sale since they cannot be collected in the typical manner.

Nuptial Flights and Reproduction

Nuptial flights occur from late August through September, with some extending into October ^[4]. Flights typically happen in the late afternoon, often following rains ^[4]. Workers prepare by excavating the nest entrance days to weeks before the flight. One documented flight involved approximately 2,500 males and 4,500 females leaving a single nest ^[4]. The flights occur at temperatures between 22.8-27.2°C (73-81°F) ^[6]. Queens come in two distinct morphological forms: the larger, reddish β-female with extremely broad, flattened legs, and the smaller, brown α-female with more normal proportions ^[3]. Both forms have been observed taking flight together within the same half-hour period. After mating, dealate queens disappear quickly, they must locate a host colony quickly to survive.

Housing and Nest Setup

Because these ants are nearly entirely subterranean, they do best in setups that mimic underground conditions. A test tube setup works for founding colonies, but provide a small container of sandy soil or a formicarium with compact chambers for them to dig in. They prefer tight, confined spaces rather than open areas. The substrate should be sandy and well-drained, avoid damp or clay-heavy soils. Keep the nest area relatively dry with only slight moisture. Since they're rarely seen above ground, you may not observe much activity outside the nest chamber. Provide a water tube but don't over-moisten the substrate. Standard escape prevention works fine since they're not particularly good climbers, though their small size means they can slip through very small gaps. ^[4]

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, Lasius latipes workers are generalist predators that feed on small insects and other arthropods, plus they tend root-feeding aphids for honeydew ^[4]. In captivity, offer a varied diet: sugar water or honey as an energy source, and small protein sources like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or other tiny insects. Since they're subterranean and rarely forage above ground, place food near the nest entrance. They may be shy feeders compared to more active foragers. Acceptance of sugar sources is confirmed, they will take honey water or sugar water readily.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a temperate species with a northern distribution, Lasius latipes prefers moderate temperatures. Room temperature (22-26°C) is generally suitable, matching the conditions where nuptial flights occur. During the active season (spring through fall), keep them at room temperature with perhaps a slight heat gradient. In winter, they require a diapause period, provide 4-6 months of cold storage at 5-10°C, similar to other temperate Lasius species. This cold period is essential for colony health and triggering reproductive cycles. Do not skip hibernation as it can weaken colonies over time. ^[6][4]

Identification and Distinguishing Features

Lasius latipes workers are identified by several key features: the entire underside of the head (gula) covered with 20-40 long erect hairs, a very blunt petiolar scale crest that is convex or straight when viewed from the front (not notched), and yellow to brownish-yellow coloration ^[1]. The profemora have erect hairs on both the lateral and flexor surfaces ^[7]. These features help distinguish them from similar species like L. claviger and L. interjectus. Queens are distinctive with their extremely thickened and flattened leg segments, especially the β-females, and the entire surface of the gula covered with numerous standing hairs ^[3].

Frequently Asked Questions

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References