Schultz, R. & Seifert, B.

Lasius neglectus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) – a widely distributed tramp species in Central Asia

Departing from the assumed origin in Asia Minor or the Middle East, Lasius neglectus Van Loon, Boomsma & ANDRÁSFALVY, 1990 has spread both to the west and to the east during the last decades. From 1998 to 2004 we collected 41 samples of L. neglectus at 17 different sites in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan; of those, 15 are new. The ant appears to be widespread in the Fergana Valley and in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek. This paper lists the findings of L. neglectus and describes the habitats in which the ants were found. The presence of L. neglectus in bordering countries is discussed.

Open access, licensed under CC BY 4.0. © 2005 The Author(s).

Lasius neglectus, Formicidae, tramp species, dispersal, invasive biology, Central Asia.