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Cornfield Ants

Lasius alienus

Description:

These common ants are about 1/10 in long (workers) and are light to dark brown. They have a petiole with one node, and the thorax is uneven in profile, and their eyes are relatively large compared to the head.

Habitat:

Usually outside, but occasionally they come indoors, as these did. Usually found in open areas and at edges of forests.

Notes:

I found these ants in our bathroom and captured several so I could determine their species (and to photograph them). I'm still not sure of the species, but I settled on Lasius alienus. If anyone else has any suggestions, please let me know. Ants are so active that they are difficult to photograph, especially these tiny ants. To restrict their movements, I gave them some sugar water on which to feed. I also put them on a straw or toothpick and set it in a moat of water so they couldn't escape.

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4 Comments

Maria dB
Maria dB 12 years ago

Great photos and appreciated the photography tip, too!

Gordon Dietzman
Gordon Dietzman 12 years ago

Always willing to share photo tips.

David
David 12 years ago

Amazing photo...

ceherzog
ceherzog 12 years ago

Great photos Gordon..& thanks for sharing your methods with us.

Gordon Dietzman
Spotted by
Gordon Dietzman

Roseville, Minnesota, USA

Spotted on Feb 17, 2010
Submitted on Feb 23, 2012

Spotted for Mission

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