The beginning of the invasion of Lasius neglectus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Kiev (Ukraine)

Abstract

Research conducted in August and September 2016 in the city of Kiev (Ukraine). A total of 8 places of the possible location of invasive garden ant Lasius neglectus Van Loon, Boomsma & Andrasfalvy, 1990 were observed. Only one monocalic colony of L. neglectus was discovered. The forage area of L. neglectus is bounded by asphalted area on three sides. We consider that the invasion of L. neglectus at an early stage can be successful under the following conditions: (a) Favorable temperature. Mitigating of the climate during the winter months in recent years contributed to the consolidation of L. neglectus in Kiev. (b) Spatial separation of nests and foraging trails of native dominant ant species. In our case, L. neglectus colony was found on the site free of other ants. (c) Visiting trees, where native ant species are few or absent. This one partially overlaps with the previous condition.