Common NameVolcano Ant or Crater AntSeasonalityFound form May through to September.IdentificationWorkers are yellow-brown in color and ~2.0-3.5 mm in length. Eyes are large, penultimate basal tooth on mandible is reduced, the median clypeal lobe is angulate, and the scape has numerous erect hairs on it (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1963).
Scientific NameLasius neonigerCommon Name
Volcano Ant or Crater Ant
Habitat
In dry grasslands, urban yards, pathways and cultivated fields (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1963, and Sharplin, 1966).
Seasonality
Found form May through to September.
Identification
Workers are yellow-brown in color and ~2.0-3.5 mm in length. Eyes are large, penultimate basal tooth on mandible is reduced, the median clypeal lobe is angulate, and the scape has numerous erect hairs on it (Wheeler…
Workers are yellow-brown in color and ~2.0-3.5 mm in length. Eyes are large, penultimate basal tooth on mandible is reduced, the median clypeal lobe is angulate, and the scape has numerous erect hairs on it (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1963).
Life History
Nests are found under rocks or entrance form little craters with on entrance. Queens found colonies individually and nuptial flights take place in late August early September.
Conservation
Not of concern.
Diet Info
Omnivorous, but rely on farming aphids and tend to only collect dead insects.
Range
Common across North America.
Notes
The common name Volcano Ant or Crater Ant is based on the crater like entrances it builds for its colony.
Citation
Page Citation for Lasius neoniger
Page Citation
"Species Details - Lasius neoniger, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-38633. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Specimen Information
There are 9 specimens of this Species.
9 results plotted on map in 6 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.