Cornfield ant
Lasius neoniger
This record describes Lasius neoniger (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Workers are dull, usually yellowish brown (sometimes darker). 4 or (usually) more erect hairs in a row on the lower edge of the hind tibia. Dorsal surface pubescent from head to abdominal apex. Host to Lasius latipes
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
Treeless grassy areas or very open woods, typically in well-drained soil.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Mating flights are in late summer, early fall. Young queens presumably enter winter as do mature colonies, with a cluster of first instar larvae in arrested development.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lasius neoniger Emery, 1893
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Lasius neoniger. 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 Cornfield ant (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , ceiseman , James C. Trager , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Cornfield ant
What is Cornfield ant?
Cornfield ant (Lasius neoniger) is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Cornfield ant?
workers 3mm males 4mm queens 7-8mm
How do you identify Cornfield ant?
Workers are dull, usually yellowish brown (sometimes darker). 4 or (usually) more erect hairs in a row on the lower edge of the hind tibia. Dorsal surface pubescent from head to abdominal apex.
Where is Cornfield ant found?
Habitat: Treeless grassy areas or very open woods, typically in well-drained soil.
What is the life cycle of a Cornfield ant?
Mating flights are in late summer, early fall. Young queens presumably enter winter as do mature colonies, with a cluster of first instar larvae in arrested development.