7 replies to this topic

[Shoshonite]

1. Location of collection: Victoria BC
2. Date of collection: 21/05/2016
3. Habitat of collection: Lawn, clay rich, dry dirt, slight mount, 
4. Length (from head to gaster): 9-10mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: reddish brown, gaster is glossy to v.glossy
6. Distinguishing characteristics: one petiole node, 12 antennal segments (i think)
7. Anything else distinctive: Triangular head
8. Nest description: unknown

Using the Keys on Antwiki and the List of known species for BC I came up with Camponotus modoc, but I am not very convinced. I have experience with Paleontology but don't know the extend of mophological diversity within ant species

 

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[Subverted]

I think this might actually be a Liometopum luctuosum queen.

[Shoshonite]

I think this might actually be a Liometopum luctuosum queen.

 

I found this one at about 12m above sealevel, any suggestions on how to differentiate luctuosum from occidentale? will the bicolour nature of occidentale workers be in the queen as well?

[kellakk]

At that elevation it shouldn't be L. luctuosum. L. occidentale queens tend to be larger than L. luctuosum  queens and have lighter brown legs.  I would call this one L. occidentale.

[Miles]

I'm pretty sure this is a Lasius species.

[dspdrew]

I think it looks like Lasius too. It's not flat enough for Liometopum.

[Alza]

Lasius

[Shoshonite]

Thanks for all the help!

After the Lasius comments I went through all the Lasius species found in British Columbia. Alianius, Fallux and Flavus are all excellent matches and aside from colour I don't think I can differentiate the Queens with out putting my queen on a pin, (which would probably diminish her reproductive abilities) Colouring would seem to indicate Lasius Flavus.