Lasius psammophilus Seifert, 1992
Description and notes
Lasius psammophilus is a small brown to dark brown ant which until recently was confused with L. alienus Förster. Seifert (1992) showed that it was a distinct species based on morphological differences coupled with distinctly different habitat preferences. The scapes and tibia have no erect hairs. Workers can be separated from the sibling species L. alienus by the greater number of hairs (2-5) between the propodeal spiracle and the metapleural gland.
Distribution
It is distributed in England and Wales with a bias towards coastal sites and sandy heaths. Previous confusion with L. alienus means that it is probably currently under-recorded.
Status (in Britain only)
This species is not regarded as scarce or threatened.
Habitat
It prefers dry grassland and heathland over a sand or gravel substrate.
Flight period
June to September. Nuptial flights are on muggy days from 15.00 to 18.00 hours.
Foraging behaviour
Tends underground aphids and feeds on their honeydew.
Nesting biology
This species builds extensive nests, totally underground with up to 12,000 workers in a nest.
Year profile last updated
2011