5 replies to this topic

[aheyer]

Hello,

I am new to the hobby and looking to see if what species these two ants are and if they are potentially queen ants.

The first ant:

It was collected in Mendon MA on June 4th 2023. The ant was under a log next to my shed. This is a transition area between grass and rocks by the shed. There were no other ants similar under the log and in the area.

The ant is about 10mm to 12mm long. It has a overall shiny body with a black head, burgundy thorax, and a black gaster with hairs that appears yellow in the light.

See images attached


The second ant:

It was collected in Mendon MA on June 4th 2023. The ant was under a log in a wood pile. This is a transition area between grass and my driveway. There were very small black ants in the area under the log.

The ant is about 6mm long. It has a overall shiny body with a yellow head with red mandibles and yellow legs. It has a slightly red thorax, and a black gaster with seems to be lighter strips. It seems to potentially have the wing scars but I am unsure. See images attached.

Thank you for all the help,

Andrew

Attached Images

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[Mettcollsuss]

Camponotus chromaiodes major and a Lasius interjectus queen

[aheyer]

Thank you for the help with the ID Mettcollsuss

[Manitobant]

The lasius interjectus queen is parasitic so will need host workers.

[aheyer]

I did read that. I think I will release her back where I found her by my house. Doesn't seem like a parasitic queen is a good beginner ant. 

[AntsCali098]

Yeah, make sure to release her if you can't find hosts. It's no use keeping the major either.