Lasius nearcticus
This record describes Lasius nearcticus (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
key characters include: long maxillary palps, small eyes. Separated from L. brevicornis by the relative length of the last segment of maxillary palp, longer than penultimate in nearcticus, shorter in brevicornis
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Formicinae
- Tribe
- Lasiini
- Genus
- Lasius (Citronella Ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Subterranean ant; prefers dense, moist woodlands. It nests in soil under rocks or fallen logs.
Geographic Range
New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario south to NC, TN, west to SD, WY, CO.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Wheeler 1906.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Lasius nearcticus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Lasius nearcticus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Tony-2
Frequently Asked Questions About Lasius nearcticus
What is Lasius nearcticus?
Lasius nearcticus is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Lasius nearcticus?
key characters include: long maxillary palps, small eyes. Separated from L. brevicornis by the relative length of the last segment of maxillary palp, longer than penultimate in nearcticus, shorter in brevicornis
Where is Lasius nearcticus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Subterranean ant; prefers dense, moist woodlands. It nests in soil under rocks or fallen logs. |
| Range | New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario south to NC, TN, west to SD, WY, CO. |