Lasiophanes is a small genus of ant with six described species endemic to Patagonia (Argentina and Chile).

The genus is related to Lasius of the Northern Hemisphere and Melophorus of Australia and New Zealand.

The species have been found at Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut and Santa Cruz provinces but only L. picinus reaches the southern tip of Patagonia at Tierra del Fuego.

L. valdiviensis in turn, lives in more arid areas in the eastern part of the genus distribution.

However, within the arid areas L. valdiviensis is thought to prefer sites with relatively humid soils.