HYMENOPTERA > APOCRITA | Aculeata > Formicidae > Formicinae > Lasiini

A small species where workers average just 3-5mm; queens much larger, up to 9mm. They have an entirely yellow to brownish-yellow coloured body with long hairs on the gaster and, although more difficult to see in photos, on the dorsal surface of the mesosoma. Larger individuals may have a slightly darker head.

The species is almost entirely subterranean, nesting in the soil or under stones, and feeding primarily on secretions from root aphids, as well as the aphids themselves, and various other tiny soil fauna that they can scavenge or predate. Living mostly underground, they are rarely seen on the surface.

Lasius flavus is one of the commonest ants to be found across southern and central counties, but becoming more scarce further north and into Scotland where distribution is local and scattered. They occur in a wide range of open habitats including grassland and meadows, sunny chalk hillsides, woodland clearings, parkland and garden lawns. Large colonies in the countryside can comprise thousands of workers that form raised, domed earth nests that can be a familiar site in pastures and grass downland where the species is active from March to September.

I inadvertently disturbed a small nest in one of our shrub borders where I was able to take the following photos. I haven't, as yet, tried to photograph any whilst out and about locally, but will keep my eye open for an opportunity.