Cornfield Ant

Facts about Cornfield Ants, "Scientific name for Cornfield Ant is Lasius alienus". The Cornfield Ant species is generally dull brown in color and characteristic of distinct light brown appendages, dense pubescence coupled with a truncated propodeum. It is important to note that the name "Cornfield Ant" is sometimes used in reference to the lasius species which include the likes of L. alienus. It is however better used to refer to L. neoniger which interestingly has been found to be characteristic of a mutualistic relationship with the corn root aphids.

According to the present taxonomic concept the Cornfield Ant has the most widespread native range than any other ant specie. This is clearly evident from the its national distribution which spans the holarctic from the east coast of North America right through the west of Europe to the west coast all the way through Western Europe and into central Asia. Interesting thing about all of this is the fact that: whether or not all these widespread ant populations represent a single species "the cornfield ant" or obscure species is a topic subject to thorough debate.

It is equally worth noting that the bi-continental distribution coupled with the unfortunate specific label of the Cornfield Ant has led some people to start speculating that the cornfield ant is an alien species in North America. Even though the North American population of the Cornfield Ant stands as proof that this particular specie is completely distinct from the other populations e.g. the Eurasian population, their preferred habits, general biology and board distribution collectively suggest that the occurrence of the Cornfield Ant closely preceded the arrival of humans.

Characteristics

The Cornfield Ant are monogynous. They comfortably eat insects (dead or alive) plus they also gather nectar from any extra-floral and floral nectarines of insects excreting honeydew and other plants. It is these latter habits which are responsible for making the Cornfield Ant to be considered as agriculatural pests once in a while. The Cornfield Ant is also considered a house pest in other areas since it makes periodic entries into different dwellings in search of shelter and food.

They tend to travel like armies and in fairly long columns most of the times overrunning and devouring animals which cannot flee from their path.

Feeding Habits

The Cornfield Ant diet differs widely. They mostly feed on honeydew from plants which are infested with aphids and other insects. However, some of them even resort to consuming large mammals particularly those which cannot flee from their travelling path. These same ants also have a tendency of feeding on small insects considered as crop pests.

Reproduction

The mating of Cornfield Ant occurs between the month of August and September, usually on hot, humid days. Just after mating, the male Cornfield Ant dies because he is unable to feed himself. The female then moves away to establish her nest. She lays a few eggs which become the first workers of the colony. The queen takes care of the workers until they are mature enough to take care of themselves and her.

Significance

Ants are generally beneficial to humans. Cornfield Ant in particular through their tunneling mixes help aerate the soil. In fact, in some places these ants have replaced the activity of earthworms. The way Cornfield Ant communicate is by using chemicals called (pheromones) they can alert other ants where food and also if danger is coming.
There are more than 20,000, Ant species around the world, there have been 12,500 that have been classified in specific species.
Cornfield Ant can lift and carry three times their weight.
Cornfield Ant are omnivores like humans, an omnivores, (definition-they eat both other animals and plants).
Ants are the longest living insect of all times they live up to 30 years.

Ants have two stomachs, one that holds food for them to eat and one for other the colony.
You can find Ants on every continent accept Antarctica.
Ants can survive around a full day underwater. "Fear of Ants Myrmecophobia".