Lasius coloradensis

Distribution
Ranges from New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah north to Manitoba and west to Alberta and Oregon.

This taxon was described from United States.

Biology
Wing (1968) - Of the 70 samples received for study, 6 had associated data on nests; 1 colony was under cow dung, 4 were under stones. Sandy soil was indicated in 2 of the 6 samples. Most of the samples reported as Lasius claviger by Wheeler and Wheeler (1963) are coloradensis. The data of their paper suggest that many coloradensis nests are covered by stones. In the paper by Cole (1954), the colonies reported as coloradensis are Lasius latipes. One of those reported as latipes is coloradensis (N. Beaverhead). Two of those reported as claviger are coloradensis (Bandelier and Mescalero National Monuments). The 2 nests of coloradensis that could be associated with the data of this paper were under stones on dry grassy slopes under cover of scattered trees. Based on data associated with specimens and that in the literature references cited above, the altitudinal range of this species is from below 2000 to above 7000 feet.

Reproduction
Wing (1968) - Of the 13 dated samples containing alates, July 30 and September 16 are the extreme dates for those associated with workers. One sample collected on September 16 contained alate and dealate queens but no workers. Another collected on December 27 contained only dealate queens. Wheeler and Wheeler (1963) listed September 16 as the latest date for collecting winged males and females of claviger (= mostly  Lasius coloradensis). A comparison of the dates cited above with those given for claviger in the general section treating nuptial flights, indicates that the flights of coloradensis average much earlier than those of claviger.

Associations with other Organisms
Nest Guests - Schwartz (1895) reported that T. Ulke collected Adranes sp. near lecontei (Coleoptera: Pselaphidae) in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The host ant, listed as claviger, was probably Lasius coloradensis.

Nomenclature

 *  coloradensis. Lasius (Acanthomyops) interjectus subsp. coloradensis Wheeler, W.M. 1917a: 532 (w.q.m.) U.S.A. Combination in Acanthomyops: Creighton, 1950a: 429; in Lasius: Ward, 2005: 13. Subspecies of claviger: Creighton, 1950a: 429; Raised to species: Buren, 1950: 185. See also: Wing, 1968: 78.

Worker
Wing (1968) - Very closely similar to Lasius claviger, but averaging and ranging smaller. Standing body hairs more numerous and shorter; this difference between the two sibling species is especially evident on the dorsum of the gaster. Also the second and third femora frequently have at least a few suberect standing hairs. Pubescence more dilute and longer. Body color averaging darker, usually a yellowish brown to brown.

Queen
Wing (1968) - Quite similar to claviger, but SI at least 67, usually 70 or more. Antennal scapes and funiculi never more than slightly clavate. Somewhat more pilose and less pubescent. Body color darker, usually a very deep brown, often appearing nearly black to naked eye.

Male
Wing (1968) - Similar to claviger, but smaller; usually AL 1.50 mm or less, HW 0.99 mm or less, SL 0.62 mm or less, and terminal width of pygostyle 0.03 mm or less. Scale width at level of petiolar spiracles not over 1.3 times its height above spiracles. Pilosity moderate; pubescence dilute to very dilute. Body color dark brown, often appearing black or nearly black to naked eye.

Type Material
Wing (1968) - Type locality: Manitou, El Paso Co., Colorado. Location of types : Syntypes in the.