6 replies to this topic

[AntBoi3030]

Earlier today, I was getting rid of some old rotten logs. While I was moving the logs, some debris and bark fell away and uncovered multiple Lasius parasites just stitting there. By the looks of it, there are two L. claviger queens and one L. aphidicola queen. I'm not too sure what to do with them. I don't have any Lasius colonies to poach from, and all of the wild colonies here will be in diapause for at least another month. Could I try to put them back into diapause? 

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[ANTdrew]

Yes, you should keep them in diapause until you can find hosts. They will be fine.

[AntBoi3030]

Yes, you should keep them in diapause until you can find hosts. They will be fine.

Okay! I put each of the queens in a test tube and fed them some sugars and stuck them in my garage. I figured if they could survive under a piece of bark in 8 degree DMV weather they would be fine. I wasn’t planning on trying to raise a parasitic colony, but I’m up for the challenge!

[Ants_Dakota]

Earlier today, I was getting rid of some old rotten logs. While I was moving the logs, some debris and bark fell away and uncovered multiple Lasius parasites just stitting there. By the looks of it, there are two L. claviger queens and one L. aphidicola queen. I'm not too sure what to do with them. I don't have any Lasius colonies to poach from, and all of the wild colonies here will be in diapause for at least another month. Could I try to put them back into diapause? 

All the questions you never knew you had can be answered here: https://www.formicul...asites/?p=37852

[AnthonyP163]

Batspiderfish's post which Ants_Dakota linked is very useful. I also made a rather long, detailed guide to Lasius social parasites which I intend to update and expand as long as I am able. That can be read here. 

[AntBoi3030]

Batspiderfish's post which Ants_Dakota linked is very useful. I also made a rather long, detailed guide to Lasius social parasites which I intend to update and expand as long as I am able. That can be read here. 

Ah, yes, I've already read through that. Very helpful and well written, thank you!

[Ants_Dakota]

Batspiderfish's post which Ants_Dakota linked is very useful. I also made a rather long, detailed guide to Lasius social parasites which I intend to update and expand as long as I am able. That can be read here.

Hey Anthony, I know you offered parasitic Lasius colonies for sale before, are there any plans to bring these back? I know raising them is more time consuming then claustral Lasius, so it is understandable if they do not make another appearance.