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Why Lasius Parasites?

lasius parasite

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5 replies to this topic

#1 Offline Reevak - Posted February 13 2018 - 12:17 PM

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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!



#2 Offline Kevin - Posted February 13 2018 - 12:24 PM

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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.

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#3 Offline kellakk - Posted February 13 2018 - 12:39 PM

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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.


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Current Species:
Camponotus fragilis

Novomessor cockerelli

Pogonomyrmex montanus

Pogonomyrmex rugosus

Manica bradleyi

 

 


#4 Offline Reevak - Posted February 13 2018 - 1:36 PM

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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.


#5 Offline AntsMaryland - Posted February 13 2018 - 2:23 PM

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


Aphaenogaster cf. rudis 

Tetramorium immigrans 

Tapinoma sessile

Formica subsericea

Pheidole sp.

Camponotus nearcticus


#6 Offline Reevak - Posted February 13 2018 - 3:47 PM

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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







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