4 replies to this topic

[ColKurtz]

Very much a newbie here.  Found 4 of the following.  I am thinking Lasius latipes.

 

1.  Found out in the open on sidewalk/pavement near elementary school with nearby wooded area in Wyckoff NJ, 7-27.  Time:  around 6pm to 6:15pm

 

2.  Length:  very difficult to measure in test tube as specimens are very active.  That said, 8 to 10mm. A couple are seem slightly longer than the other two

 

3.  Coloration:  brown.   Thorax region darker.

 

4.  Other distinguishing characteristics:   Longer, narrow abdomen.  Legs frequently getting stuck in cotton within the test tube, active.  I did not smell them. 

 

See pictures.

 

Album: Ant Capture 7-27-17

3 images

0 comments

 

I sort of hope I am wrong on the ID because I don't think I can raise L. latipes based on what I read.  Thanks for your help!

 

 

[Batspiderfish]

Lasius murphyi, a close relative.

[ColKurtz]

Lasius murphyi, a close relative.

Thank you for your response.  You seem to be the expert on these.  I found your guide (http://www.formicult...cial-parasites/)  after searching for L. murphyi.

 

Based on the pictures, approx size (further attempts at measurement say it is 8-9mm) and the fact I didn't find them under a rock, do you believe these are queens?

 

It would seem I would need to find some Lasius workers in the wild, capture them, and employ one of the methods in your guide.  I read that  L. murphyi is a social parasite of  Lasius neoniger, but I am not sure I can find those.   I think I have an idea of a location of a Lasius colony, but don't know if it is neoniger.  Will any Lasius workers do? 

 

[Batspiderfish]

Lasius murphyi hasn't been kept yet, but I think that more than Lasius neoniger might work. This is a queen.

[ColKurtz]

Well, that would be my luck! Newbie finds queens that have never been successfully kept. I might just release them back were I found them if that is the case. I guess I have a day or two to make a decision.