Scientific illustration of Lasius subglaber (Somewhat Hairy Citronella Ant) - showing key identification features including head, thorax, and gaster.

Somewhat Hairy Citronella Ant

Lasius subglaber

Polygynous Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Lasius subglaber
Tribe
Lasiini
Subfamily
Formicinae
Author
Emery, 1893
Common Name
Somewhat Hairy Citronella Ant
Distribution
Found in 2 countries
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Introduction

Lasius subglaber is a small ant native to eastern North America. Workers have a body length of 3.0-5.0 mm and are yellow to brownish-yellow . When disturbed, they produce a citronella smell, a trait shared with other claviger group species . They have few erect hairs on their body, giving them a smooth appearance . The species ranges from Saskatchewan and the Black Hills east to Maine and New York, with southern populations in North Carolina and Georgia . They nest subterraneanly under stones, in soil, and in rotten stumps . A notable feature is their likely temporary parasitic behavior, though the host species is unknown .

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Status by country, from Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Native Invasive Introduced (indoor) Intercepted Unknown
Data Sources
Year Range 2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Origin & Habitat: Eastern North America, from Saskatchewan east to Maine and south to Georgia. Found in forests, meadows, fields, and open areas including treefall gaps. Nests under stones, in soil, and in rotten stumps [1][5][2].
  • Colony Type: Unconfirmed, may be polygynous based on limited field observations [2].
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: size data unavailable
    • Worker: 3.0-5.0 mm [1]
    • Colony: Unknown
    • Growth: Moderate, inferred from Lasius genus patterns
    • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks based on typical Lasius development (Direct data not available, estimate based on genus patterns)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep at room temperature, roughly 20-24°C. Specific requirements unknown.
    • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, as they are subterranean [2].
    • Diapause: Yes, as a temperate species, likely requires winter diapause. Reduce temperature to 5-10°C for 3-4 months.
    • Nesting: Prefers dark, humid nests. Test tubes with water reservoirs or Y-tong nests work well [2].
  • Behavior: Docile and non-aggressive. Primary subterranean foragers, so limited surface activity. Produce citronella smell when disturbed [2].
  • Common Issues: high humidity requirements can lead to mold if ventilation is poor, subterranean lifestyle means limited activity, don't mistake this for colony decline [2], small size requires fine mesh barriers to prevent escapes, winter diapause is essential, skipping it may weaken the colony

Housing and Nest Setup

Set up nests that maintain high humidity. Test tubes with water reservoirs work for founding colonies, keep cotton moist but not flooded. For established colonies, use Y-tong or plaster nests. These ants prefer dark, enclosed spaces. Ensure no gaps larger than 1mm to prevent escapes [2].

Feeding and Diet

Feed on honeydew from aphids. In captivity, offer sugar water or honey constantly, and small insects like fruit flies 2-3 times per week [2].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep at room temperature, roughly 20-24°C. During winter, reduce temperature to 5-10°C for 3-4 months for diapause, based on their temperate distribution [2].

Behavior and Observation

Docile ants with limited surface activity. Produce citronella smell when disturbed, which is a useful identification feature [2].

Colony Structure and Reproduction

Colony structure is unconfirmed, but may be polygynous based on limited evidence. Nuptial flights occur from late July to September [2]. Founding method is unknown [2].

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Lasius subglaber to produce first workers?

Direct development data not available for this species. Based on typical Lasius patterns, expect first workers in 6-10 weeks [2].

Can I keep multiple Lasius subglaber queens together?

Based on field evidence suggesting polygyny, they may tolerate multiple queens. However, combining unrelated queens in captivity is risky and not well-documented for this species. It's safer to start with a single queen [2].

What do Lasius subglaber eat?

They primarily eat honeydew from aphids. In captivity, offer sugar water or honey constantly, plus small insects like fruit flies or mealworms 2-3 times per week [2].

Do Lasius subglaber need hibernation?

Yes, they require a winter diapause. Reduce temperature to 5-10°C for 3-4 months during winter. Skipping this may weaken the colony.

Are Lasius subglaber good for beginners?

They are moderately difficult. Their high humidity needs and requirement for winter hibernation make them better suited for keepers with some experience. They are quiet and docile, but their subterranean lifestyle means less visible activity [2].

How big do Lasius subglaber colonies get?

Exact maximum colony size is unknown. No data available from research.

Why does my Lasius subglaber colony seem inactive?

This is normal, they are subterranean ants that prefer dark, quiet environments. Limited surface activity is typical, not a sign of problems [2].

What is the citronella smell mentioned for this species?

When threatened or crushed, Lasius subglaber and related claviger group ants produce a smell similar to citronella. This is a chemical defense mechanism and a useful identification tool [2].

When do Lasius subglaber have nuptial flights?

Nuptial flights occur from late July through September, with most activity in early August. This is when you can catch wild queens to start new colonies [2].

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .