3 replies to this topic

[gsparrow]

Hello,

 

ID help please.

1. Location (on a map) of collection:  Kent County, Delaware
2. Date of collection: 4-4-2021
3. Habitat of collection: in my yard
4. Length (from head to gaster): about 7mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: see pics
6. Distinguishing characteristics: n/a
7. Distinguishing behavior: n/a
8. Nest description: n/a

9. Nuptial flight time and date: n/a

 

Album: 4-4-2021

4 images

0 comments

 

 

[Manitobant]

Parasitic lasius aphidicola queen. If you are a beginner, i would just release her, but if you do want to attempt raising her, you will need host workers. The good thing about spring queens is that they have already hibernated, so they should get right to laying eggs instead of waiting until after winter.

Edited by Manitobant, April 4 2021 - 1:06 PM.

[JoeByron]

Parasitic lasius aphidicola queen. If you are a beginner, i would just release her, but if you do want to attempt raising her, you will need host workers. The good thing about spring queens is that they have already hibernated, so they should get right to laying eggs instead of waiting until after winter.

 

What do you use to break down the classification to get to your result? 

[Manitobant]

Parasitic lasius aphidicola queen. If you are a beginner, i would just release her, but if you do want to attempt raising her, you will need host workers. The good thing about spring queens is that they have already hibernated, so they should get right to laying eggs instead of waiting until after winter.

 
What do you use to break down the classification to get to your result?

You can tell by the head and body shape, the only ant flying now is prenolepis imparis, which are a different color and much more bulky. It also couldn’t be lasius claviger, the other parasitic lasius, because of the color and shape of the queen.