7 replies to this topic

[CNewton]

Three more ants. First is likely neoniger. 2nd I'm not entirely sure. Last is probably a parasite. I know the pics are aweful. Most of us newbies don't have real cameras and, especially the first one, these guys were especially active.

 

1: Location: Western New York

2: Date: 9/11/17

3: Habitat: grass yard, some hardwood trees.

4: Length: 9mm

5: Color: Dark brown/grey/black. Gaster has a shiny quality similar to Tiger Eye gemstone?

Lasius neoniger  or similar.

 

 

 

 

4: Length: 7-8mm

5: Color: Dark Brown, Lighter brown gaster.  Glossy. Seems to lack the quantity of hairs the other 2 have.

Probably a parasite.

 

 

 

4: Length: 7-8mm

5: Color: Light brown. Similar gaster sheen as the first entry. Lighter, almost yellow, underbelly.

 

 

 

 

[FeedTheAnts]

The first one definitely reminds me of Tapinoma sessile, especially because of her shiny gaster. They all look like they are most likely lasius niger or some other species

[ultraex2]

I'm pretty sure these are all Lasius Neoniger - is the color of the first one different from the other 2?  It seems darker in the pictures but that could be lighting.

[VoidElecent]

None of these are temporary parasites. The first is probably in the niger group (L. neoniger or L. pallitarsis), and the last two could be in the flavus group (L. flavus and L. nearcticus).

[CNewton]

Yes, the first one is larger and darker in color. The other 2 are similar in size but one is more orangey-yellow with the pearly sheen on her gaster.

 

One thing I have been noticing is how different one queen can be to another of the same species. Colors and sizes, while always similar, have some degree of variance that I never really expected in the insect world.  

[CNewton]

I did notice swarms of yellow ants in the mulch. Much more than black ones. These could be flavus/nearcticus.

[VoidElecent]

I did notice swarms of yellow ants in the mulch. Much more than black ones. These could be flavus/nearcticus.

 

If you actually noticed the lighter coloration of the workers, they're probably flavus group.

[Flame.Hyped]

Lots of lasius, I'm from ny too f your ever interesting in buying some colonies