Scientific Name: Prenolepis nitens
Taxonomic Classification: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Arthropoda, Class Insecta, Order Hymenoptera, Family Formicidae, Subfamily Formicinae, Tribe Lasiini, Genus Prenolepis.
Geographic Distribution: Prenolepis nitens is mainly found in parts of southeastern Europe. Its distribution includes countries such as Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine.
Physical Characteristics: Prenolepis nitens is a small to medium-sized ant, with an average length of approximately 3-5 mm. Its body is light brown in color and has a shiny appearance. The workers have a slender body and segmented antennae.
Behavior: Prenolepis nitens forms relatively small colonies. They are generally omnivorous and feed on a variety of sources, including nectar, dead insects, and sugary liquids. These ants are known for their ability to establish symbiotic relationships with ants of the genus Aphidius, exploiting the sugary exudates they produce.
Conservation Status: No specific information is available on the conservation status of this species.
Additional Notes: Prenolepis nitens is commonly found in habitats in southeastern Europe, such as forests and rural areas. They are active and agile ants and can be observed searching for food or constructing small nests in the soil or among vegetation. Additionally, these ants are considered beneficial to the ecosystem as they aid in seed dispersal and pest control.
