9 replies to this topic

[AdamL]

I found this ant and I want to identify if it is a queen and what species it is.

1. Farmington Connecticut USA
2. I found her on 7/14/2019
3. I found her on a trail next to a forest and river
4. She is 3/8 of a inch long
5. She is bright orange/red
6.her gaster is a lighter color than the rest of its body
7. She cleans its self a lot


Top view of the ant
http://imgur.com/a/9MD6xxl

Botem view of the ant
http://imgur.com/a/FD67BwS

[VoidElecent]

Looks Polyergus-esque.

[AdamL]

Voidelecent what is Polyergus-esque

[Aaron567]

To me it looks like an Acanthomyops Lasius species.

[AnthonyP163]

Probably Polyergus sp., look at those mandibles. 
 

You'll need to try to find some Serviformica pupae for her. Any known colonies around of species of Formica subsericea, or maybe pallidefulva group? If you don't think you can provide for the queen, it may be best to release her (during the day). Some members of this genus are on the IUCN Red List , including a species I have seen around here, Polyergus breviceps. More members of the genus would likely be on the Red List if assessed. 

[AntsBC]

No, this is most definitely not Polyergus. Look at the body shape and eyes. Also, the only Polyergus species present in Connecticut is Polyergus lucidus, and this specimen does not key out with that species at all. Finally, if this was Polyergus, a big, noticeable petiole node would be visible. 

 

This is Lasius interjectus, a social parasite of ants in the Lasius niger group. A great guide on raising parasitic Lasius can be found here.

Edited by AntsBC, July 14 2019 - 8:33 PM.

[AdamL]

So will she lay her own eggs. And do i have to give her a colony to take as her own.

[Lasiusumbratus]

You should check under rocks for a lasius species and take some pupae and the workers that are tending to the brood. I prefer to then chill the queen and workers in a fridge for a bit then introduce them to each other. Then if everything works out and they accept each other the queen will start laying eggs.

[Canadian anter]

So will she lay her own eggs. And do i have to give her a colony to take as her own.

She will not lay her own eggs without host workers. You must find some Lasius workers and/or pupae to supply her with to start.

[VoidElecent]

The lack of a large petiole is the only reason for it not to be Polyergus. Otherwise, body shape, coloration, and eyes match up, for the most part. 

 

The first picture makes the queen's mandibles look large and protruding, probably more so than they actually are. Lasius intertjectus looks right.