14 replies to this topic

[randeee]

1. On a tree, along a trail next to the pond.
2. 1PM 4/16/2017

3. Woodsy Trail, tons of flying insects
4. ~7-8mm (might be wrong... used an online ruler lol) It's quite small.
5. Dark brown body with light brown legs and antennae. Gaster is smooth and pointy at the tip.

[Batspiderfish]

A Lasius umbratus queen from last fall.

 

http://www.formicult...cial-parasites/

Edited by Batspiderfish, April 16 2017 - 2:33 PM.

[Nathant2131]

I agree with Batspiderfish. I have been finding a few of these.

Edited by Nathant2131, April 16 2017 - 2:54 PM.

[randeee]

Thanks, guys. I'm super excited to have my first parasitic queen. Do you guys know how I should go about choosing the workers? I have a bunch of Tetramorium Sp. E, would that work out?

[Nathant2131]

Thanks, guys. I'm super excited to have my first parasitic queen. Do you guys know how I should go about choosing the workers? I have a bunch of Tetramorium Sp. E, would that work out?

They only parasitize Lasius niger group colonies. 

[Batspiderfish]

 

Thanks, guys. I'm super excited to have my first parasitic queen. Do you guys know how I should go about choosing the workers? I have a bunch of Tetramorium Sp. E, would that work out?

They only parasitize Lasius niger group colonies. 

 

Not exactly. Host specificity in Lasius could probably use some work. I definitely need to amend my guide to clarify which genus is required, though.

[VoidElecent]

It does look like an umbratus-group Chthonolasius parasite, but it could be either ​L. umbratus or  L. speculiventris. Regardless, pretty neat find. You should check out this guide (guy who wrote it was a weirdo ) for advice on founding a colony with a social parasite. I'm planning on using the callow method for my umbratus group, I'll let you know how it goes. Good luck!

Edited by VoidElecent, April 16 2017 - 3:10 PM.

[Nathant2131]

It does look like an umbratus-group Chthonolasius parasite, but it could be either ​L. umbratus or  L. speculiventris. Regardless, pretty neat find. You should check out this guide (guy who wrote it was a weirdo ) for advice on founding a colony with a social parasite. I'm planning on using the callow method for my umbratus group, I'll let you know how it goes. Good luck!

BSF already said L. umbratus, and you can't argue him with IDs. 

[Nathant2131]

 

 

Thanks, guys. I'm super excited to have my first parasitic queen. Do you guys know how I should go about choosing the workers? I have a bunch of Tetramorium Sp. E, would that work out?

They only parasitize Lasius niger group colonies. 

 

Not exactly. Host specificity in Lasius could probably use some work. I definitely need to amend my guide to clarify which genus is required, though.

 

You're right, some species are temporary social hyperparasites in the wild. (Temporary social Parasite of a temporary social parasite)

Edited by Nathant2131, April 16 2017 - 3:25 PM.

[randeee]

It does look like an umbratus-group Chthonolasius parasite, but it could be either ​L. umbratus or  L. speculiventris. Regardless, pretty neat find. You should check out this guide (guy who wrote it was a weirdo ) for advice on founding a colony with a social parasite. I'm planning on using the callow method for my umbratus group, I'll let you know how it goes. Good luck!

Thanks! It would be super helpful to see how you go about introducing the workers. I'm super clueless about this right now but research wouldn't hurt.

[Batspiderfish]

It does look like an umbratus-group Chthonolasius parasite, but it could be either ​L. umbratus or  L. speculiventris. Regardless, pretty neat find. You should check out this guide (guy who wrote it was a weirdo ) for advice on founding a colony with a social parasite. I'm planning on using the callow method for my umbratus group, I'll let you know how it goes. Good luck!

 

You at least have a point in that these pictures are barely adequate to make that call, however I've seen a lot of social parasites in my time, and this queen just doesn't seem shiny enough. If we can get a good photograph showing off that gaster, we can be absolutely sure.

Lasius umbratus will have a matte gaster, while Lasius speculiventris will be bald and shiny on all but the first gastral tergite.

[randeee]

I did my best as she would not stay still lol

[noebl1]

FWIW... I had a Lasius alienus queen, nanitics and brood make it thru hibernation.  However the queen died unexpectedly a couple weeks ago.  I figured I had nothing to loose so added a parasitic Lasius last week (suspect umbratus.)  First hour or so was pretty chaotic; I watched her tear the original queen apart that was still in the tube while the nanitics ran around in panic.    24hours later things had settled down, they had carried the pieces of the original queen out of the cotton nest, and the parasitic queen was sitting with the brood.  The nanitics went back into caring for the now larvae of the former queen and foraging.  Not entirely calling it a typical outcome or success as way too soon and think this colony is way too small.  Regardless was interesting to watch and will keep caring for them to see what happens.

[Batspiderfish]

I did my best as she would not stay still lol

 

Ah, and there it is. I know Lasius umbratus when I see it.

Edited by Batspiderfish, April 16 2017 - 3:42 PM.

[Nathant2131]

#ParasiteLoveForever