7 replies to this topic

[Voidley]

    I just found these two queens each under adjacent rocks which I flipped. They were found at around noon today (10/7/23) in NY. They are about 8mm, have orange and brown coloration, thick legs and antennae, and look kind of parasitic. My best guess would be Lasius claviger but I’m really not sure. I didn’t see any brood or workers with them under the rocks, so does that mean they are not social parasites? I would think their first stop would be to take over a nest but I could very well be wrong so feel free to correct me. Thanks.

 

[AntsCali098]

Parasitic lasius

[Virginian_ants]

Yes parasitic maybe clavier. They hibernate under rocks and they use them for cover instead of being threatened by predators.

[Voidley]

Yes parasitic maybe clavier. They hibernate under rocks and they use them for cover instead of being threatened by predators.

I guess that makes sense if one of your hosts is neoniger. There's no point in killing a queen who won't provide the workers you need until spring.

Should I hibernate them before trying to introduce them to host workers? Or should I give her workers/brood now, and then hibernate them like normal?

[ANTdrew]

Following a natural cycle would probably be best, but I bet you could go either way.

[Jonathan5608]

Claviger. Probably part of the massive flight LI had last week. Hibernate would be best.

Edited by Jonathan5608, October 8 2023 - 5:26 AM.

[Virginian_ants]

I cought aphidicola a few days ago under a brick. I'm going to hibernate her before I introduce her to workers.

[Major]

Yep claviger. One thing I would mention about them that many people don't know is that they (the queens especially) can be quite finicky with cotton. So I suggest using a blue 16 mm sponge instead. For her hosts just grab some lasius brood and some workers, she can't open brood herself. I would introduce workers now and then hibernate.