8 replies to this topic

[Fremille]

1. Location of collection: Sabrevois, Qc. Canada. (southern Quebec, approx. 30 miles from Vermont US border)

2. Date of collection: April 28 2017

3. Habitat of collection: Rural area, collected under an old rotten piece of wood.

4. Length: 7mm

5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Black and dark brown (legs)

6. Distinguish characteristics: Bald

 

Thank you!

 

[Batspiderfish]

Lasius umbratus

 

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

[Bracchymyrmex]

I agree with Bat, Lasius umbratus and other parasites are emerging at this time of year.

[VoidElecent]

Lasius umbratus

 

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

 

If it really is completely "bald" like he said (at least the second gastric tergide), it could be Lasius speculiventris.

[Batspiderfish]

She doesn't look bald to me. Lasius speculiventris is VERY shiny on-and-after the second tergite. The light which is gleaming off both the first and second gastral tergite seems to have equal intensity to the other parts of the body. Most of the photographs returned by Google and Antwiki are actually Lasius umbratus, probably adding to all the confusion. Once you've seen one in real life, you wonder why they are so easy to confuse.

 

Edited by Batspiderfish, May 7 2017 - 7:21 AM.

[VoidElecent]

She doesn't look bald to me. Lasius speculiventris is VERY shiny on-and-after the second tergite. The light which is gleaming off both the first and second gastral tergite seems to have equal intensity to the other parts of the body. Most of the photographs returned by Google and Antwiki are actually Lasius umbratus, probably adding to all the confusion. Once you've seen one in real life, you wonder why they are so easy to confuse.

 

 

Are they also usually bicolored like this?

[Batspiderfish]

All of the ones I've seen have been red-ish like this, but I don't know if that is a useful diagnostic. I've seen Lasius umbratus with similar colors.

[Fremille]

Thank you guys for your prompt answers.  

That was the first queen i've ever collected, she is in a test tube now, i will keep her for few days, then get rid of her if i don't see eggs. I hope to get luckier next time. 

[Batspiderfish]

Thank you guys for your prompt answers.

That was the first queen i've ever collected, she is in a test tube now, i will keep her for few days, then get rid of her if i don't see eggs. I hope to get luckier next time. 

 

Youuu should probably check out the link I supplemented. It is a guide to keeping Lasius social parasites like L. umbratus. She will not be able to start a colony without host workers. You may wish to offer her some sugar water in the meantime.