SeasonalityMay through to September.IdentificationWorkers are ~3.0-4.5 mm in length and are a golden yellow color. The abdomen has erect hairs and the second gastric tergite is covered with pubescence. The eyes are small with slightly more then 65 but nevermore the 100 (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1963).
Scientific NameLasius umbratusHabitat
Prefer moister soils, but are found in both grassland and forested areas. In Alberta only two localities have been found one by Lake Newell and the other in Aspen Parkland near Hay Lakes.
Seasonality
May through to September.
Identification
Workers are ~3.0-4.5 mm in length and are a golden yellow color. The abdomen has erect hairs and the second gastric tergite is covered with pubescence. The eyes are small with slightly more then 65 but nevermore the…
Workers are ~3.0-4.5 mm in length and are a golden yellow color. The abdomen has erect hairs and the second gastric tergite is covered with pubescence. The eyes are small with slightly more then 65 but nevermore the 100 (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1963).
Life History
Subterranean most of the time, with tunnels around roots to house aphids and coccids. Have nuptial flights in September and new queens are known to be social parasites on Lasius group complexes niger and flavus.
Subterranean most of the time, with tunnels around roots to house aphids and coccids. Have nuptial flights in September and new queens are known to be social parasites on Lasius group complexes niger and flavus.
Conservation
Not of concern.
Diet Info
Almost exclusively farm aphids, but will scavenge fallen foods and insects.
Range
Found throughout the east side of the Rocky Mountains. In Alberta are rare and have been found only once around the Hay Lakes area, this rarity may be a result of their subterranean existence and are most like more…
Found throughout the east side of the Rocky Mountains. In Alberta are rare and have been found only once around the Hay Lakes area, this rarity may be a result of their subterranean existence and are most like more common then have been reported.
Citation
Page Citation for Lasius umbratus
Page Citation
"Species Details - Lasius umbratus, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-38636. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Specimen Information
There are 2 specimens of this Species.
2 results plotted on map in 2 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.