Lasius xerophilus

Occurs in arid and semi arid Chihuahuan Desert. Nests are found in the soil, usually in sandy sites. The nest entrance is small, inconspicuous, and surrounded by a small mound. Foraging activity is nocturnal or crepuscular, except on cloudy, cool days, when it continues throughout the day. Nests contain about 100 workers. Flights occur at night in July. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Identification
This species is similar to Lasius neoniger, and would key to this species in Wilson (1955). It differs in that the worker is covered with short, bristly hairs. The extensor surface of the front tibia has at least 6, usually over 10 such hairs (usually 1 or none in L. neoniger), the same surface of the mid tibia has up to 14 such hairs (usually fewer than 10 in L. neoniger) and the same surface of the posterior tibia has more than 15 (fewer than 15 in L. neoniger). The females are also much more hairy, with more than 20 hairs on the extensor surface of the mid tibia and hind tibia (fewer than 6 on these surfaces in L. neoniger). The extensor surface of the mid tibia of the male has more than 5 erect hairs (1 or none in L. neoniger), the hind tibia has more than 10 erect hairs (0 - 2 in L. neoniger). (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: United States.



Nomenclature

 *  xerophilus. Lasius xerophilus Mackay, W.P. & Mackay, E.E., 1994: 37, figs. 1-7, 9 (w.q.m.) U.S.A.