6 replies to this topic

[noebl1]

Where collected? United States in Massachusetts near Nashua, NH

 

Habitat of collection? Wooded area, both running across driveway

 

Coloration, hue and pattern? Black or very dark brown, legs and antennae appear brown

 

Length in millimeters? Both ant 1 and ant 2 are about 7.5-7.7mm

 

Found them both running across the driveway, then both hid under gravel stone

 

I *think* they may both be parasitic lasius?  Seen a handful of these over the last few days on the driveway.   Thanks!

 

 

Ant 1:

 

 

Ant 2:

[LC3]

This is a parasitic Lasius queen, most likely L. umbratus

[noebl1]

Thanks, figured but worth checking on.  Is the small gaster a dead give away on these?   Amazed how many I've seen of these so far.

[LC3]

Pretty much yes, find a Lasius looking queen with a small gaster and large head chances are it will be some sort of parasitic Lasius. (Provided that parasitic Lasius are present in the area where founded of course)

[noebl1]

Considering this is probably the 7th or 8th one I've seen in the last 2 weeks...  guessing  pretty popular variety around here  Pics do look dead on for the L. Umbratus which are found around here.

[LC3]

[noebl1]

Today must be a busy day for the Umbratus as when I let those two go, spotted three more queens along the driveway.  They stick out right now as Camponotus isn't super active here yet so not a lot of large black ants running around.