Question 1

Can I keep Lasius schiefferdeckeri ants?

Accepted Answer

No. Lasius schiefferdeckeri is an extinct species that existed 37-42 million years ago and is only known from fossils in Baltic amber. No living colonies exist. Any seller offering this species is fraudulent.

Question 2

Where can I get Lasius schiefferdeckeri specimens?

Accepted Answer

You cannot obtain living specimens. Authentic fossil specimens can occasionally be purchased from specialized fossil dealers or found in museum collections, but these are rare and expensive. The species has no living representatives.

Question 3

What is the closest living species to Lasius schiefferdeckeri?

Accepted Answer

Lasius niger (the common black garden ant) and Lasius alienus are the closest living relatives. Both belong to the niger complex that Lasius schiefferdeckeri is believed to have given rise to or been ancestral to [1][3].

Question 4

How big were Lasius schiefferdeckeri workers?

Accepted Answer

Workers measured 2.5-4.2mm in body length, with major workers being roughly twice the size of minor workers [1]. This is slightly smaller on average than modern Lasius niger.

Question 5

Where is Lasius schiefferdeckeri found?

Accepted Answer

Only in Baltic amber deposits from the Late Eocene, approximately 37-42 million years old. Specimens have been found in the Kaliningrad Region (Baltic amber proper), Bitterfeld, Rovno, Jutland, and the Gulf of Gdańsk [4][1].

Question 6

What did Lasius schiefferdeckeri eat?

Accepted Answer

Based on fossil syninclusions with aphids (Germaraphis), these ants likely fed on honeydew from aphids, similar to modern Lasius species. They probably also consumed small insects [5][3].

Question 7

Are there any other fossil ant species I can keep?

Accepted Answer

No living ant species exist from the Eocene period. All ant species available for keeping are extant (still living). If you are interested in fossil insects, consider purchasing authentic amber specimens with preserved insects from reputable fossil dealers.

Question 8

Why is Lasius schiefferdeckeri important to science?

Accepted Answer

This species provides crucial information about ant evolution and the ancient ecosystems of Europe. Its abundance in Baltic amber (10-19% of specimens) and close resemblance to modern species demonstrate the long-term stability of ant social structure. It also shows how the European ant fauna has changed over 40 million years, many 'tropical' ant species from that time have retreated to warmer regions or gone extinct entirely [3].

Question 9

How do I start keeping ants if I can't keep this species?

Accepted Answer

Purchase a colony of a related living species like Lasius niger from a reputable ant seller. You will need a test tube setup for the founding queen, then transition to a formicarium as the colony grows. Lasius niger is an excellent beginner species, docile, moderate-sized colonies, and adaptable to various conditions.

Question 10

Where is Lasius schiefferdeckeri found?

Accepted Answer

Lasius schiefferdeckeri is found in 3 countries, including Poland, Russian Federation, Sweden.

Question 11

What is the colony form of Lasius schiefferdeckeri?

Accepted Answer

The colony form of Lasius schiefferdeckeri is monogynous.

Question 12

How do I cite AntScout data?

Accepted Answer

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

Lasius schiefferdeckeri

Lasius schiefferdeckeri Overview

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Literature

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