5 replies to this topic

[Ants_Dakota]

Expert ID requested. I know there can be size variation between ants but this queen seemed too different from L. neoniger and I could find no good measurements for ants on Antwiki (they are horrible with that).

1. Location of Collection: Brookings, SD.

2. Date of collection: 9/10/24 at 7:00pm
3. Habitat of Collection: Marsh/pond biome with many trees
4. Length: Larger than Lasius neoniger. Look at the images attached below. I do not have access to a ruler right now.

5. Coloration, hue, pattern and texture: Similar to L. neoniger, but has a shiner thorax
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Large size, shinier thorax
7. Anything else distinctive: Aggressive and attacked a L. neoniger queen twice while they were temporarily together
8. Nest description: Unknown

9. Nuptial flight time and date: From 6:00pm to 8:00pm queens and males were seen on the ground and in the air

10. Clearest pictures I could get with the glass in the way.

Possibly L. pallitarsis

 

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Edited by Ants_Dakota, September 11 2024 - 4:28 AM.

[OiledOlives]

Can you get a clear photo of the basal tooth? L. pallitarsis was my initial thought as well (the queens and workers are large, similar to L. niger in size) but I cannot see the teeth in these photos.

[Ants_Dakota]

Can you get a clear photo of the basal tooth? L. pallitarsis was my initial thought as well (the queens and workers are large, similar to L. niger in size) but I cannot see the teeth in these photos.

I can try my best, but it may take a few days for me to get good sunlight to attempt to do so. Thank you for the response!

[Ants_Dakota]

Here are two images of the jaws, and possibly the basal tooth. Let me know if they are inadequate.

 

Attached Images

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[OiledOlives]

Yes, L. pallitarsis. The basal tooth is clearly offset in the last photo.

L. pallitarsis - https://www.antweb.o...shot=h&number=1

 

L. americanus (although your ant is certainly not americanus, this shows the not offset mandibles) - https://www.antweb.o...shot=h&number=1

Edited by OiledOlives, September 13 2024 - 6:08 AM.

[Ants_Dakota]

Yes, L. pallitarsis. The basal tooth is clearly offset in the last photo.

L. pallitarsis - https://www.antweb.o...shot=h&number=1

 

L. americanus (although certainly not americanus, this shows the not offset mandibles) - https://www.antweb.o...shot=h&number=1

Thank you for the time to ID this species, and especially thank you for the explanation! The offset tooth makes a lot more sense now.

Edited by Ants_Dakota, September 11 2024 - 2:28 PM.