Small workers, typically around 3–5 millimetres.
Fine-art photographic collection
Lasius grandis
A western Mediterranean honeydew farmer closely related to the black garden ant.
About this species
Iberian black garden ant
Lasius grandisForel, 1909
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Lasius grandis is a western Mediterranean member of the Lasius niger group. Colonies nest in soil and form long-lasting relationships with root- and plant-feeding insects that provide honeydew.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Hymenoptera · Formicidae · Formicinae · Lasiini · Lasius
Source checked · checked 2026-07-15
Iberia and nearby islandsBroad documented localities — not a complete range map.
Iberian Peninsula, Macaronesia and nearby western Mediterranean regions.
Gardens, grassland, woodland edge, agricultural soil and urban habitats.
Workers forage on the ground and vegetation and maintain trails to dependable honeydew sources.
Honeydew forms a major carbohydrate source, supplemented with insects and carrion for protein.
Large soil-nesting colonies with a single queen in many populations.
What makes this species remarkable?
It can be difficult to distinguish from close relatives without careful morphology.
Subterranean aphids provide honeydew even when above-ground food is limited.
Colonies modify soil structure through extensive tunnel systems.