Question 1

Can I keep Lasius ophthalmicus ants as pets?

Accepted Answer

No. Lasius ophthalmicus is an extinct fossil species that lived approximately 16-23 million years ago during the Miocene epoch. No living specimens exist anywhere on Earth, only fossilized remains in museum collections. This species cannot be kept in captivity under any circumstances [1].

Question 2

Where can I find Lasius ophthalmicus specimens?

Accepted Answer

The only known specimens are fossilized remains housed in museum collections, specifically from the Radoboj fossil beds in Croatia. These are scientific specimens, not available for purchase or private collection. If you're interested in fossil ants, you would need to contact natural history museums or paleontological institutions [1].

Question 3

What did Lasius ophthalmicus look like?

Accepted Answer

Based on fossil specimens, Lasius ophthalmicus queens measured 6.5-8.8 mm in body length. They had a head wider than long, a rounded clypeus, and relatively long forewings that were usually longer than the body. The species is similar in general appearance to modern Lasius species, particularly the black ant Formica nigra that Heer noted as very similar [1][2].

Question 4

When did Lasius ophthalmicus live?

Accepted Answer

Lasius ophthalmicus lived during the Early Miocene epoch, approximately 16-23 million years ago. The species is known from fossil deposits in Radoboj, Croatia, and possibly from Swiss Miocene deposits. The species went extinct millions of years before humans appeared on Earth [1].

Question 5

Are there similar living ant species I can keep instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lasius ophthalmicus is related to modern Lasius species, particularly Lasius niger (the common black garden ant) and Lasius flavus (the yellow meadow ant). These living species are commonly kept by ant enthusiasts and are excellent for beginners. While L. ophthalmicus is extinct, you can observe similar behaviors in its living relatives [3].

Question 6

How do I know if an ant species is extinct or fossil?

Accepted Answer

Extinct and fossil ant species are typically indicated in scientific literature and databases with a dagger symbol (†) before the species name, such as †Lasius ophthalmicus. The AntWiki entry for this species also lists it under category:Fossil species. If you're researching ant species for keeping, look for the dagger symbol or fossil category to identify extinct species that cannot be kept [1].

Question 7

Where is Lasius ophthalmicus found?

Accepted Answer

Lasius ophthalmicus is found in 1 countries, including Croatia.

Question 8

What is the colony form of Lasius ophthalmicus?

Accepted Answer

The colony form of Lasius ophthalmicus is not specified.

Question 9

How do I cite AntScout data?

Accepted Answer

To cite this documentation, use: AntScout. (2026). Lasius ophthalmicus Species Profile. Retrieved from https://antscout.com/species/lasius-ophthalmicus

Lasius ophthalmicus

Lasius ophthalmicus Overview

No caresheet needed

No specimens available

Literature

Not applicable