About Lasius emarginatus (Olivier, 1792)
Lasius emarginatus (Olivier, 1792) is a small ant species with distinct size ranges across castes: worker ants measure 3–5.5 mm, female ants measure 7–10 mm, and male ants measure 7–14.5 mm. Workers and females have a reddish or brownish-red thorax, with brown heads and abdomens. All male ants are completely brown. Queens of this species can live up to 30 years, while workers have a maximum lifespan of three years. The species is omnivorous. While it is not naturally aggressive, it will readily attack potential predators or other ant colonies to expand its hunting and harvesting territory. This species is native to the Western Palearctic, which includes Europe, the Caucasus, and Asia Minor. As an invasive species, it has become established in Manhattan, where it occupies the niche of above-ground floors in taller buildings.
