Uzbekistan — the alleged native range of the invasive ant Lasius neglectus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae): geographical, ecological and biological evidences
Journal: Zoodiversity
Year: 2020

Invasive ant species Lasius neglectus is widespread from Canary Islands to Central Asia, inhabiting almost exclusively anthropogenic habitats (cities, towns, villages), but its native area has remained unknown untill now. We recently found numerous populations of this species in Uzbekistan, where it lives in the natural habitats throughout the country except for arid zones — the Kyzylkum desert and the Ustyurt plateau. Lasius neglectus inhabits here mesophytic, moderately humidified biotopes at