3 replies to this topic

[Canadant]

Hi, I'm looking for a queen ID. I believe these two are Lasius sp.

 

Location: Kentville, Nova Scotia Canada

Date of Collection: July 31st, 2017 (Evening)

Habitat: On a sidewalk and the grassy knolls of sidewalks

Length: 6-7 mm

Colour: Black with brown limbs and Brown fuzz covering the gastor. (Isn't that the tell-tale Lasius sign?

Distinguishable characteristics: Brown fuzz covering the gastor. Has already laid several small eggs. This species was flying everywhere the other evening (Jul. 31) I mean 4 queens in 5 steps everywhere. My bro even caught me one about three km away in a parking lot (Knowing that I was looking.) Grabbed four that evening. 

 

Excuse the photos. I tried my best. No tripod and the macro on this thing isn't the greatest. 

 

http://i.imgur.com/Nq4Szun.jpg 

 

http://imgur.com/3WB81P0

 

http://imgur.com/pumA0ZL

 

http://imgur.com/mgqjxU8

[WeatherAnt]

I'll place my bet on Lasius. I don't know which species but I would lean towards Lasius alienus. 

[Martialis]

Agreed

[Batspiderfish]

The other claustral Lasius likely won't be seen until the second half of August, so this looks like L. alienus to me as well. Lasius alienus will have no erect hairs on their antennal scapes (only appressed hairs), while all the other niger-group Lasius in your area will have the erect hairs.

Edited by Batspiderfish, August 12 2017 - 6:58 PM.