Lasius longiceps

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Hard
• Origin & Habitat: Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan, found in meadows, aspen groves, and slopes near quarries in temperate continental climates ^[1][4][2]
• Colony Type: Unknown, likely single-queen based on genus patterns, but unconfirmed
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: size data unavailable, inferred from typical Lasius patterns (~4-6mm)
  • Worker: size data unavailable, inferred from typical Lasius patterns (~2-3mm)
  • Colony: up to 200+ workers observed in wild colonies ^[4]
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: unknown, inferred from typical Lasius patterns (6-10 weeks at 20-25°C) (Timeline inferred from related Lasius species, actual timing may vary with temperature)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 20-24°C during active season. Provide hibernation at 5-10°C for 3-4 months over winter based on temperate geographic origin ^[2]
  • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. These ants likely prefer damp conditions similar to other subterranean Lasius species.
  • Diapause: Yes, required. Colonies from temperate Russia need a cold winter rest period based on geographic origin ^[2]
  • Nesting: Subterranean nesters. Use dark, humid setups such as Y-tong (AAC) blocks, plaster nests, or naturalistic soil setups with good moisture retention.
• Behavior: Subterranean foragers that likely tend root aphids. Workers observed foraging on the surface in July and August ^[4]. Temperament unknown, but Lasius species are typically peaceful but fast-moving. Tiny size means excellent escape prevention is essential.
• Common Issues: founding behavior is unconfirmed, may require host colonies if temporarily parasitic like related Chthonolasius species., tiny size means escapes are likely without fine mesh barriers and Fluon-coated rims., colonies may fail without proper winter hibernation due to temperate Russian origin., lack of specific care data means keepers must experiment carefully and observe colony responses.

Distribution and Habitat

Lasius longiceps lives in the western Palaearctic region, specifically in Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan ^[1][2]. Within Russia, it has been recorded in the European part (Central and South regions), the Urals, and western Siberia ^[2].

Field surveys in the southern Tyumen region found colonies in diverse habitats including feather grass meadows, aspen groves, and slopes near old quarries ^[4]. Workers were collected from the surface of meadows and from within Formica rufa mounds, suggesting they may nest in soil or use existing cavities in the ground ^[4]. The species appears to tolerate disturbed habitats, having been found near railway crossings and old quarry sites ^[4].

Seasonal Activity and Nuptial Flights

Colonies are active during summer months. In the Tyumen region, workers were collected in early July and early August ^[4]. Winged queens and males were present in colonies by mid-August, suggesting nuptial flights likely occur in late summer ^[4].

Given the temperate continental climate of its range, colonies likely enter diapause from autumn through spring. Cool your colony for 3-4 months during winter to match this natural cycle ^[2].

Taxonomic History

Seifert first described this ant in 1988 as Lasius longiceps, a subspecies of Lasius jensi ^[3]. The type specimens came from Russia. For nearly two decades, researchers considered it an eastern form of L. jensi.

In 2007,Zryanin and Zryanina studied material from the Nizhny Novgorod region where both forms occur close together (parapatric distribution). They found consistent differences in body proportions (allometry) and hair patterns (chaetotaxy) between the two, leading them to raise longiceps to full species status ^[3].

Captive Care Considerations

Founding behavior for this species is completely unconfirmed. Many Lasius species in the Chthonolasius group are temporary social parasites, meaning new queens must invade existing colonies of other Lasius species to start their own nests. However, this has not been documented for L. longiceps specifically, so we cannot confirm if this applies ^[5].

If you obtain a queen, you may need to attempt both claustral founding (queen alone) and parasitic founding (with host workers) to determine what works. Start with a standard test tube setup, but watch carefully for signs of stress or failure to lay eggs.

Keep the nest dark and humid. These are subterranean ants that likely spend most of their time in soil tunnels tending root aphids. A Y-tong (AAC) nest or plaster nest with covered chambers works better than open acrylic for this species.

Feeding

Specific dietary preferences are unknown. Based on related Chthonolasius species, they likely feed primarily on honeydew from root-feeding aphids and scale insects, supplemented with small prey items ^[5].

In captivity, offer sugar water or honey water constantly. For protein, try small live prey such as fruit flies, springtails, or tiny pieces of mealworm. Observe whether workers accept the food readily, if they ignore larger prey, try smaller options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References