4 replies to this topic

[Kanye2020]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Iowa
2. Date of collection: 3/17/22
3. Habitat of collection: Black Lighting in front yard.
4. Length (from head to gaster): approximately 7mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: light/dark brown
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Seems quite skinny semi claustral/ parasitic potentially. 
7. Distinguishing behavior: None.
8. Nest description: None.

9. Nuptial flight time and date: Assumed 3/17/22-3/16/22<-- this date being the warmest day as of recent 70F.

 

 

 

 

My guess is lasius claviger. 

[Manitobant]

Definitely lasius claviger. She is parasitic so try to get some host workers.

[RushmoreAnts]

I second Lasius claviger. Here's a guide on how to found Lasius parasites.

[Kanye2020]

I second Lasius claviger. Here's a guide on how to found Lasius parasites.

I'll see if I can find any wild nests that I don't have to disturb too much. I don't have any lasius in my collection right now. Nor do I have many colonies that could give workers/pupa/cocoons. Worst comes to worst I just let her go.

 

Thanks for linking that guide!

[Mettcollsuss]

Not many Lasius are going to have brood at this time of year, so if you need to you can just put her test tube in a fridge to hibernate her until you can find hosts. Lasius claviger fly in the fall, and then usually hibernate solitarily until the early spring when they emerge to invade a host colony, so it wouldn't be very different from their natural behavior.