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Western PA, brown/black 8mm queens

Started By Antmom24 , Oct 1 2023 2:57 PM

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5 replies to this topic

#1 Offline Antmom24 - Posted October 1 2023 - 2:57 PM

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These were found in Danville PA around 5:00. They are black-brown with a reddish tinge. Their gaster has faint stripes and some of their undersides are orange tinged.
It’s hard to see under their wings, but their abdomen/gaster connection does have a spike on it.

None of them have shed their wings (?) though it looked like one was tearing them off when I caught her. They were definitely coming down instead of up.

I have no idea what this one could be. At first I thought lasius but I’m not sure. If I could get advice to whether they are parasitic and if so are they native or invasive? I won’t release them if they are invasive.

#2 Offline 100lols - Posted October 1 2023 - 5:11 PM

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LocationSan Diego, CA

Parasitic Lasius probably.. Lasius umbratus is my guess.

I’m in Southern Cali sooo that’s a guess… and basing the guess on your pictures and the nuptial flight calendar.

Artisan_Ants likes this

#3 Offline Virginian_ants - Posted October 2 2023 - 4:06 AM

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LocationCharlottesville, VA

They are parasitic Lasius. They are not invasive but I suggest your try to keep them. They are really rewarding and fun. All you need is some hosts.

#4 Offline OiledOlives - Posted October 2 2023 - 4:10 AM

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Lasius claviger

Sent from my IN2015 using Tapatalk

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Youtube: Atlantic Ants - YouTube
Website: Ants for Sale - Atlantic Ants

#5 Offline Artisan_Ants - Posted January 15 2024 - 8:53 AM

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LocationChester County, PA

Yes, this is surely Lasius Umbratus.

Keeping:

3x - S. molesta (colonies and single queen) 1x - C. nearcticus (founding but no eggs) (y) New!

1x - C. chromaiodes (colony) 1x - C. subbarbatus (founding)

1x - F. subsericea (founding) 1x - T. sessile (mega colony)

3x - P. imparis (colonies)

2x - L. neoniger (founding)

Check out my C. nearcticus journal here: https://www.formicul...cticus-journal/

Check out my C. chromaiodes journal here: https://www.formicul...aiodes-journal/

#6 Offline OiledOlives - Posted January 15 2024 - 10:16 AM

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Yes, this is surely Lasius Umbratus.

No. For one, Lasius umbratus is not present in the New World and two, the clavate antennae visible in the queen in the middle tube indicate that this is Lasius (Acanthomyops) claviger.