Javascript Disabled Detected

You currently have javascript disabled. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality.

Welcome to Formiculture.com!

This is a website for anyone interested in Myrmecology and all aspects of finding, keeping, and studying ants. The site and forum are free to use. Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation points to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!

Ant ID request - Virginia

Started By ANTdrew , Oct 1 2018 7:41 AM

Please log in to reply

4 replies to this topic

#1 Offline ANTdrew - Posted October 1 2018 - 7:42 AM

Advanced Member

Moderators
9,947 posts

LocationAlexandria, VA

Hi!

I've been finding these small bright reddish yellow ants under logs in my area. The workers are about 2mm long with a chunky appearance. The alates are about 6mm long and are much darker than the workers. One colony I found in a savannah type area bordering a park, and the other one is under a log in woodpile. Can you help ID them?

"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.

#2 Offline AnthonyP163 - Posted October 1 2018 - 12:33 PM

Vendor

Members
987 posts

LocationWaukesha, Wisconsin.

This appears to be a Lasius social parasite, possibly Lasius aphidicolus or claviger. some more, close up pictures would help. The wings kind of block some features on the queen, which is important. It's much easier to ID these species by the queens than the workers.

AntsBC likes this

Ant Keeping & Ethology Discord - 2000+ Members and growing

Statesideants.com - order live ants legally in the US

#3 Offline ANTdrew - Posted October 2 2018 - 10:27 AM

Advanced Member

Moderators
9,947 posts

LocationAlexandria, VA

Thank you! That's really interesting and would explain why the workers and alates were such different colors. Any idea what the workers could be?

"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.

#4 Offline Joehostile85 - Posted October 3 2018 - 9:47 AM

Advanced Member

Members
69 posts

The queens and workers in this picture are the same species. These parasitic queens have yellow/orange workers. They forage underground not on the surface. This colouring is typical of Lasius colonies that forage underground. Think claviger, Flavus, unbratus, ect.