7 replies to this topic

[Rattus]

Almost a month ago I collected one queen in my yard, it seems to be of Formica or Lasius spec., but I am not sure.

1. Location of collection: Latvia, Lielvarde
2. Date of collection: 02/08/2015
3. Habitat of collection: Grass field with berry bushes.
4. Length (from head to gaster): Approx. 9-10mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Legs are in lighter color, I can't really describe the color.
6. Distinguishing characteristics: The queen has large gaster?
7. Anything else distinctive: Calm, had a lot of eggs, now larvae.
8. Nest description: There are two nests of black ants, which might be Lasius spec., then we have european fire ants, Lasius flavus and some kind of larger species with shiny stripe/s on gaster, which live under a pach of grassy moss, I think they might be of Formica spec.

[Images of ant]
 This is the same ant in every picture.

 

 

 

 

Edited by Rattus, August 30 2015 - 10:33 AM.

[dermy]

I think it's a Lasius queen. Maybe Lasius niger? or something else.

 

 

Just one issue, does Lasius niger occur in Lielvarde?

Edited by dermy, August 30 2015 - 10:33 AM.

[Rattus]

Yes and it could be, I will definetly update when my first workers emerge.

 

Might that be Formica fusca??

Edited by Rattus, August 30 2015 - 10:43 AM.

[LC3]

 It does look like a Lasius sp. since your in Europe I'm betting its Lasius niger or some other common black Lasius.

 

Edit: Sorry dermy I thought you wrote L.neoniger for some reason

Edited by LC3, August 30 2015 - 3:59 PM.

[William. T]

Lasius, I think.

[Billy]

I agree with Lasius sp., because Formica spp. generally have longer legs.

[Jonathan21700]

Definetly Lasius. Maybe L. Niger.

[Rattus]

Update, still no workers, but larvae have grown pretty big.

 

There are 4 large larvae, some smaller and eggs.

I am thinking of Lasius emarginatus a bit, because the thorax seems somewhat reddish as far as I can see inside, but I will definitely have to wait for workers to distinguish.

Edited by Rattus, May 10 2016 - 11:21 AM.