292 THE BRITISH NATURE BOOK 



Genus : Lasius. 



5. Lasius fuliginosus. Sometimes called the Jet Ant, because of its 

 shining black colour, the tips of legs and antennae being paler and reddish. 

 It has a peculiar aromatic scent, like that of the Musk Beetle. Makes its 

 nest in trees, old posts, and sometimes underground. It moves slowly. 

 Local and rare. 



6. L. umbratus is of a yellow or mahogany colour, nesting under stones. 

 Widely distributed, but uncommon. 



7. L. flavus is the Common Yellow Ant, whose mounds are familiar in 

 meadows and on embankments. Seven species of beetles have been found 

 with it. It is one of the easiest to keep in an " ant-case " or formicarium. 



8. L. niger. The Little Black Ant, perhaps the most common of all. 

 Found everywhere. 



Genus : Tapinoma. 



9. Tapinoma erratica. A small black ant, very much like the preceding, 

 but it has some grey pubescence. Found on heaths. Moves actively in sun- 

 light, but disappears when the sun is clouded. 



Family ii. Poneridce. 



These have well-developed stings, and the pupae are always in cocoons. 

 Generally speaking, they are long and narrow in shape. 



10. Ponera contracta. Polished red-brown. Nests found on chalky hill- 

 sides, under moss and stones. Widely distributed, but not common. 



11. P. punctatissima. Rare ; probably introduced from abroad. 



Family iii. Myrmicidce. 



These also possess stings, but the pupae are always naked that is, without 

 cocoons. 



12. Formicoxenus nitidulus. A small species found in the nests of F. rufa. 



13. Myrmecina latreillei. Distinct black, with red legs. Rare. Found 

 under stones, generally in South of England. 



14. Tetramorium ccespitum. Common on the sea coast. Dark brown. 



15. Leptothorax acervorum. A small red-headed species ; abdomen very 

 dark ; sparsely covered with whitish hairs. Common and widely distributed. 

 Nests in old stumps, under bark, and in company with F. rufa. 



16. L. nylanderi. Pale reddish yellow ; female banded with brown. 

 Sometimes in nests of F. rufa ; under bark and in old stumps. 



17. L. unifasciatus. A still smaller species, but very similar ; the club 

 of the antennae dark brown. Rare. 



