5 replies to this topic

[Reevak]

I've been wondering what reasons there are for wanting a parasitic Lasius colony, besides the fact that they are relatively difficult to start up. Are their workers more yellow than Lasius flavus workers? I know they have a citronella smell to them but that doesn't seem like a good reason to keep them. Are their workers larger than Lasius flavus workers? I don't really know since I've only ever seen Lasius umbratus workers in person once and have never seen flavus workers, so I can't really draw a comparison. Also, do they grow faster than other Lasius? I feel like I've heard that before but would appreciate confirmation. Thanks!

[Kevin]

I think you can really divide it into two good categories: Research, and value. A successfully grown parasitic Lasius spp. colony is worth more than a Lasius flavus colony by far in the market. Not only is value money - but personal value. You might want to experience the parasitic behaviors or just know that you have a parasitic colony. For research, it's pretty self explanatory. Research on captive parasitic species is relatively limited, and it would be great to have more information on them.

 

Just my 2 cents.

Edited by Kevin, February 13 2018 - 12:25 PM.

[kellakk]

I agree with what Kevin said.  One of the reasons that people want ant colonies is to observe their biology in person.  Social parasitism is a cool aspect of ant biology, so people want to see/have that themselves.

[Reevak]

So there are no size, color, or growth rate differences between the two (besides the queens)?

Edited by Reevak, February 13 2018 - 1:40 PM.

[AntsMaryland]

The workers look different and there different feedigs habits and growth because they're different species.

[Reevak]

The workers look different and there different feedigs habits and growth because they're different species.

 

I meant worker size and color in comparison to Lasius flavus