3 replies to this topic

[Reevak]

I recently came across two parasitic Lasius queens and considering that they are the 3rd and 4th parasitic Lasius queens that I have found, I decided to try and start a colony from them.

 

Here are some images of one of the two queens.

 

 

Someone has identified them to be either Lasius latipes or Lasius murphyi, but I am not really that concerned with which one they are exactly because I can't tell the difference. If you can from my poor images then please say, but it is not relevant to this post.

The point of this post is to get any and all tips that could help me in my attempt to create a successful ant colony with these queens. All advice for their care is appreciated!

[Hikari]

This is the thread I was linked to when I found my Lasius parasite queen:

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

[Batspiderfish]

Your queens are Lasius murphyi, which fly in the summer.

[ultraex2]

Patience - I managed to get 1 parasitic Lasius to lay eggs, but it took at least 1.5 months after the host species accepted the queen.  I fed them occasionally and one day after I checked there was a ton of eggs in there.  The refrigeration method seems to work the best - it's not a bad idea to keep them in there for up to 3 days, too.