4 replies to this topic

[LIFEsize]

First of all, I'm a novice at this! And second please verify if this is in fact a queen for my sanity. I'll provide additional info below for the ID. 

 

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Illinois, Not far off from the Mississippi River Side.

2. Date of collection: 4/26/18

3. Habitat of collection: Found at park path edge near a creek surrounded by woods.

4. Length (from head to gaster): A little over half a cm

5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Dark brown with lighter brown legs (See Photos)

6. Distinguishing characteristics: (see photos, sorry I couldn't count the nodes too small for my eyes)

7. Distinguishing behavior: I saw 2 of this kind of ant, and this one stood out because it moved in a very linear pattern.

8. Nest description: see #3

9. Nuptial flight time and date: No idea, I had no expectations to find anything today, but I've been bringing a small container in-case I do. The conditions today were very sunny and low humidity.

 

Album: April

4 images

0 comments

 

[CallMeCraven]

I would say she is a queen. As for an ID I am less helpful, maybe some kind of Formica.

[VoidElecent]

Lasius umbratus social parasite queen.

[Shifty189]

definitely a queen. I don't know how to ID ants, but it looks like it could be Lasius umbratus to me

[LIFEsize]

Thanks for posting, I'm sticking with Lasius Umbratus unless someone can say different. This is a tricky species to keep I read, so I was thinking about leaving it go in a tube until I can obtain pupae of some other Lasius species and maybe a few workers. Then link the tubes together like Ants Scandinavia did https://www.youtube....h?v=ATIfaFuUelw on his channel and hope this queen will accept the new workers and brood.

Edited by LIFEsize, April 26 2018 - 2:48 PM.