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Queen of the Iceberg - Whistler, BC, Canada (2017-08-26)

queen id request

Best Answer LC3 , August 27 2017 - 11:45 AM

1st queen is a Formica sp. 2nd queen is a Lasius sp. probably Lasius alienus.

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#1 Offline proto - Posted August 27 2017 - 10:49 AM

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I found this queen roaming around along the ground which seemed like looking for nesting ground just around Iceberg Lake in Whistler.  Current temperature in the area was about 18C (64F) and at night it could be close to 5C (41F).

 

Google Photo Album

 

QUEEN 62

1. Location of Collection: Iceberg Lake in Whistler, British Columbia (Coordinates 50.178804, -123.027538)

2. Date of Collection: 2017-08-26

3. Habitat of Collection: Around rocks on the beach of frigid lake.

4. Length:  10mm

5. Coloration: head and gaster are black, gaster/thorax is mostly shiny, antenae / legs are dark brown.

6. Distinguishing characteristics: 12 antennae segments, no petiole node, 4 things hanging from the under jaw which look like sensors?, a solid exoskeleton (seems to make a similar sound when I drop a camponotus worker onto a petri dish)

7. Distinguishing behavior: in test tube, doesn't sit on the wet cotton side, seems to prefer the mid section.

 

I have additional request from earlier this month.  I have been catching quite a few Formica podzolica and Lasius alienus, but these 4 in the following album seem too small to be either? They're only 7mm or just slightly under.

 

Google Photo Album

 

QUEEN 28-31

1. Location of Collection: Surrey, British Columbia (Coordinates 49.181608, -122.790008)

2. Date of Collection: 2017-08-02

3. Habitat of Collection: a couple crossing the sidewalk and some on the sandy dirt next to the bushy area with several trees.

4. Length:  < 7mm

5. Coloration: head and gaster are black, gaster is mostly shiny, but mid section (2nd&3rd ring) is matte, mid body and legs are brown.

6. Distinguishing characteristics: 12 antennae segments, no petiole node

7. Distinguishing behavior: 


I'm new to this as of May 2017 and I'd have to say that this site is such an amazing resource. Having pros helping to ID ants is incredible and super helpful.  I will be applying to GAN Project for Vancouver (lower mainland) once I have some worker colonies as per Ants Canada.

  • Formica podzolica (12)
  • Lasius alienus (33)
  • Myrmica sp. (3)

#2 Offline LC3 - Posted August 27 2017 - 11:45 AM   Best Answer

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1st queen is a Formica sp. 2nd queen is a Lasius sp. probably Lasius alienus.


  • dermy and Batspiderfish like this

#3 Offline Batspiderfish - Posted August 27 2017 - 6:22 PM

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Can you get a picture showing of the shininess of the top of the Formica queen's gaster?


If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.

 

Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.

 

----

Black lives still matter.


#4 Offline proto - Posted August 28 2017 - 3:04 PM

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Sorry, I think those are the best I can get of that one.

 

Can you get a picture showing of the shininess of the top of the Formica queen's gaster?


I'm new to this as of May 2017 and I'd have to say that this site is such an amazing resource. Having pros helping to ID ants is incredible and super helpful.  I will be applying to GAN Project for Vancouver (lower mainland) once I have some worker colonies as per Ants Canada.

  • Formica podzolica (12)
  • Lasius alienus (33)
  • Myrmica sp. (3)





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