Course: Ants of the UK: Lasius

Learn about ants of the genus Lasius, including familiar species such as the Yellow Meadow Ant and the Black Garden Ant.

The Lasius genus encompasses a diverse and fascinating group of highly social ants, many of which are familiar sights in the UK. It includes the ubiquitous Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger), often noticed in spectacular numbers during warm summer “flying ant days,” when winged males and queens take to the air. Another notable member is the Yellow Meadow Ant (Lasius flavus), renowned for building distinctive soil mounds in undisturbed grassland—structures that can endure for decades. The genus also contains more unusual species such as Lasius umbratus, whose queens adopt a parasitic strategy by infiltrating and taking over the nests of other Lasius ants.

This entoLEARN webinar will explore the species of ant within the genus Lasius that occur in the UK. Gary Skinner will explore aspects of their ecology, behaviour, distribution and identification.

At the end of the session, learners should have a deeper understanding of the British Lasius species of ant:

• Lasius alienus
• Lasius brunneus (Brown Tree Ant)
• Lasius emarginatus
• Lasius flavus (Yellow Meadow Ant)
• Lasius fuliginosus (Jet Ant)
• Lasius meridionalis
• Lasius mixtus
• Lasius myops
• Lasius neglectus (Invasive Garden Ant)
• Lasius niger (Black Garden Ant)
• Lasius platythorax
• Lasius psammophilus
• Lasius sabularum
• Lasius umbratus

This session is perfect for naturalists, entomologists, and anyone curious about the hidden diversity in our gardens and countryside. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for these remarkable insects.

The 90-minute event will consist of a 1-hour presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience. The presentation will be recorded and made available following the event to those booked, alongside a transcript of the Q&A and useful links.