14 replies to this topic

[KitsAntVa]

My goal for this year is Lasius but if I do not find one which I probably won’t because their not common in south va, I will buy one of antdrew’s spare Lasius any type of Lasius is fine unless it’s parasitic. But how should I go about trying to find a Lasius queen?

[RushmoreAnts]

Lasius neoniger usually fly around Labor Day, so if you found any populations of the species they have a very predictable flight schedule. If the site is near you, then go as often as you can in the evenings around Labor Day to the area of the population, and you should catch the flights. L. americanus flies all throughout August and into September (but mostly in August), so their flights are more unpredictable and you're less likely to find them. If Lasius aren't common in your area, then those two species are your most likely candidates, although there is a chance you'll find some less common species, but doubtful.

[KitsAntVa]

Ok thank you I’m actually looking for neoniger, americanus, and brevicornis.

[AnthonyP163]

L. americanus has been flying here for weeks already, so they've definitely been flying in Virginia. I believe that since Virginia is further south than here in Wisconsin, the L. neoniger would probably fly earlier too. The colonies here are just getting alates, so I bet yours will fly any day now.

 

Lasius flights typically occur late afternoon, 5-8PM. They'll fly when it's warm enough (probably over 80 Fahrenheit at least), and when there's not too much wind. L. neoniger and L. brevicornis prefer open areas, prairies or sometimes yards, while L. americanus is a woodland species, often nesting under rocks or in logs. When they fly, it is very noticable. Often dozens or hundreds of alates will climb to the top of surrounding vegetation and begin to take flight. 

 

Good luck

[RushmoreAnts]

 Often dozens or hundreds of alates will climb to the top of surrounding vegetation and begin to take flight. 

Thousands, even.

[ANTdrew]

I’ve found hundreds of queens now from every common species and several uncommon ones, but I’ve only ever seen ONE L. neoniger. I don’t know what the heck it is because these are really common in every picnic area around me. Maybe 2020 will be different?

[KitsAntVa]

Wait antdrew have you found any non parasitic Lasius other than neoniger?

[ANTdrew]

No, my friend, just 5,561 parasites.

[KitsAntVa]

No, my friend, just 5,561 parasites.

Wow do you think that if you found a Lasius interjectus queen again you could start an colony with her own eggs?

[Kaelwizard]

No, my friend, just 5,561 parasites.

Wow do you think that if you found a Lasius interjectus queen again you could start an colony with her own eggs?

Um... social parasites cannot start their own colonies.

[ANTdrew]

No, my friend, just 5,561 parasites.

Wow do you think that if you found a Lasius interjectus queen again you could start an colony with her own eggs?

Um... social parasites cannot start their own colonies.

Hyperbole, wizard.

[Kaelwizard]

No, my friend, just 5,561 parasites.

Wow do you think that if you found a Lasius interjectus queen again you could start an colony with her own eggs?

Um... social parasites cannot start their own colonies.

Hyperbole, wizard.

I wasn’t talking about what you said. Kit asked if a L. interjectus queen could lay their own eggs to start a colony. (Also I think you should be saying “Hyperbole, Kit” I knew you were exaggerating).

[ANTdrew]

My bad.

[Antkid12]

 I’ve only ever seen ONE L. neoniger. I don’t know what the heck it is because these are really common in every picnic area around me. Maybe 2020 will be different?

Same, its kind of weird. 

[RushmoreAnts]

 

 

 

 

No, my friend, just 5,561 parasites.

Wow do you think that if you found a Lasius interjectus queen again you could start an colony with her own eggs?

Um... social parasites cannot start their own colonies.

Hyperbole, wizard.

I wasn’t talking about what you said. Kit asked if a L. interjectus queen could lay their own eggs to start a colony. (Also I think you should be saying “Hyperbole, Kit” I knew you were exaggerating).

 

Never completely understood everything everyone said, so Ill just stay out of this one.