4 replies to this topic

[OwlThatLikesAnts]

I have noticed that there is a big controversy when identifying different Lasius species (especially for me), mainly Lasius niger and Lasius neoniger. I wanted to see if there is any way to differentiate between the two species. One of my main ways to identify them was when they have nuptial flights: Lasius niger has then in June-July and Lasius neoniger has them August-September but I do not think that is effective… I know that we can identify the difference between the two species by the teeth on their mandibles but is there any other way to roughly identify them without a more detailed analysis requiring a microscope? Like colour, hue, their behaviour, the hairs, how shiny their exoskeleton, differences in the queens, when they have their nuptial flight, etc… Or are the two species impossible to identify without microscope?

Edited by OwlThatLikesAnts, April 16 2025 - 11:31 AM.

[Stubyvast]

I've also been wondering about this question myself. Are Lasius niger known in Europe only, or have they been imported? Are Lasius neoniger native to America? 

I did a quick google, and confirmed OTLA in that niger has equally and evenly spaced mandibular teeth, while neoniger does not. So I suppose if you have a macro camera or microscope you can ID that way. 

In terms of new colonies, Lasius niger queens will start producing nanitics right away, while neoniger queens will hibernate alone overwinter, and then produce workers the next season.

I'm very glad I noticed this, because one of my Lasius queens didn't lay eggs last year, so I presumed her infertile. However, after winter passed and she had a bit of sugar water in her, she began laying eggs again and now has a few cocooned pupae. So I believe that I have captured a Lasius neoniger! So I suppose it'll be interesting to explore the differences between these species in terms of behaviour.

[Ernteameise]

I can attest to that Lasius niger definitely does not waste time in building up an army of nanitics.

A freshly caught queen will have her first minions after just 4 weeks.

Just have a look at my Lasius niger journal, I have a documented time-frame there.

https://www.formicul...us-niger/page-6

I cannot say anything about neoniger, since I am German and do not have access to the species. Neoniger is not native to Europe.

[ANTdrew]

L. neoniger are the slowest growing, least active small ants I’ve kept. Sounds like that’s a massive difference.

[OwlThatLikesAnts]

Yeah thanks for the help everyone! I guess there isn’t any way to roughly identify the two species without the help of a microscope.