Lasius alienus
Species of ant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lasius alienus, or cornfield ant,[1] is a species of ant in the subfamily Formicinae (family Formicidae). Workers have a length of about 2–4 mm, Queens are larger (7–9 mm).[citation needed]
| Lasius alienus | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Formicidae |
| Subfamily: | Formicinae |
| Genus: | Lasius |
| Subgenus: | Lasius Latreille, 1804 |
| Species: | L. alienus |
| Binomial name | |
| Lasius alienus Förster, 1850 | |
Distribution
They live in Europe, from Spain to the Caucasus; populations in North America are now considered to be a separate species, Lasius americanus.[2]
Genetics
Mutualism
The silver-studded blue butterfly, Plebejus argus, lays eggs near nests of the ant L. alienus, forming a mutualistic relationship.[5] This mutualistic relationship benefits the adult butterfly by reducing the need for parental investment.[5] Once the eggs hatch, the ants chaperone the larvae, averting the attacks of predatory organisms like wasps and spiders as well as parasites. In return, the ants receive a saccharine secretion fortified with amino acids from an eversible gland on the larvae's back.[5] As first instar larvae prepare to pupate, the ants carry the larvae into their nests.[5] Once the larvae become pupae, the ants continue to provide protection against predation and parasitism.[5]
