The Essex Naturalist
107
Seifert (1992) has recently split L. niger s.l. into two species found in Britain L.
niger (L) and L. platythorax Seifert. The two species ate difficult to separate
requiring morphometric indices in microns and it has not yet been possible to
critically examine Essex specimens. The distribution map and associated text
refer therefore to L. niger s.l. but it is likely that most records are referable to L.
niger (L.) s.s.
Distribution
Widespread and abundant in the county with recent records from over 180
localities. Even so it is certainly under-recorded, occurring in a wide range of
habitats.
Habitat and Ecology
It is the ant most often found in gardens and must occur in almost all such
situations even in the middle of towns. The ant can become a pest when it
enters houses and kitchens and an interesting example of dead ants jammed
solid in the plug of an electric toaster is described by R.G. Payne in the Essex
Field Club Newsletter No.12, p.4 (1994).
Threats
Not threatened.
L. platythorax Seifert
National Status Unknown County status Essex Unknown
Threat status Unknown