7 replies to this topic

[Psythe]

1. Location (on a map) of collection:
Paducah, Ky USA on a nature path with forests on either side within the city limits. All 3 ants were collected from this area.

2. Date of collection:
ant #1 was collected 5/31/19 and #2 and 3 were collected on 6/3/19.

3. Habitat of collection:
Nature path in a park, forested area with a clearing for the path.

4. Length (from head to gaster):
Ant #1 is about 7mm in length and the other two are 9-10mm in length. Probably closer to 9.5mm.

5. Color, hue, pattern and texture:
Ant #1 is a dull orange color over all of its body, it has elbow antenna a D shaped head. She still has her wings and they are a dark grey at the ends.

Ant #2 is a bright orange color with black tips on its feet, black sides of its thorax, and black on the top of its head. It has black rings and dots on its gaster and the gaster is more of a brownish color. It’s thorax is long and flat and has a faint v shape on its back which I thought may be wing scars, but am not sure. Its eyes also are kind of popped out a bit. Its gaster is smaller and more like a ball with ridges.

Ant #3 is a dull orange still with her wings. It has an elongated gaster that is rigid and segmented by rings and the rings being a yellowish color. Its head is round (almost looks like a disc) with smaller mandables. Its antenna is multicolored with white orange and black tips.

6. Distinguishing characteristics:
Ant #1 doesn’t have many distinguishable characteristics other than being quite small. And having elbow antenna.

Ant #2 does not have any petiole, it’s thorax goes straight into its gaster. It’s gaster is small and ball like with black markings. The thorax is long and thin with black markings and a v marking on the back of it. Its eyes are big and pop off of its head by a good margin. No discernible segments in the antenna.

Ant #3 has an elongated gaster. Has a petiole and postpetiole that are small and separating the body. It’s head is disc like.

7. Distinguishing behavior:
None for ant 1. Ant 2 was very calm when being caught and after. Ant 3 tried to escape the test tube constantly.

8. Nest description: NA
9. Nuptial flight time and date:
NA

Ant 1 pictures (not the best, but as good as I could get).
https://www.dropbox.... 17 PM.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.... 01 PM.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.... 02 PM.jpg?dl=0

Ant 2
https://www.dropbox.... 46 PM.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.... 11 PM.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.... 17 AM.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.... 09 AM.jpg?dl=0

Ant 3
https://www.dropbox.... 56 PM.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.... 52 PM.jpg?dl=0

[Images of nest] NA

[Images of habitat] NA

[Acutus]

Pretty sure #1 is Lasius. I have Lasius interjectus and they look very similar to that. #3 looks like a wasp. Maybe a male ant? #2 no idea.

 

I'm  not one of the experts though and I'm sure they'll be by but it  really would help if you could figure out how to embed the pics into the post. Many peeps won't look if they have to click on a link.

 

This is my Lasius

 

Edited by Acutus, June 3 2019 - 6:50 PM.

[LC3]

#2 is an ant mimic, probably a broad headed bug (Alydidae).

[Ferox_Formicae]

#1 is a Lasius queen, #2 is a Broad-headed Bug nymph, and #3 is some sort of wasp.

[Psythe]

Thanks for all of the replies! You guys are truly helpful. It’s a shame about #3, I was sure it was an ant by how it was moving around when I caught it. Hopefully #1 lays for me since she’s all I have! Haha.

[Acutus]

Many Lasius Queens are parasitic (meaning they don't start colonies on their own)  so they need host workers and possibly brood. 

[Ferox_Formicae]

Thanks for all of the replies! You guys are truly helpful. It’s a shame about #3, I was sure it was an ant by how it was moving around when I caught it. Hopefully #1 lays for me since she’s all I have! Haha.

This Lasius queen is a social parasite, so she requires special care. You need to give her workers of another species of Lasius to care for her. She will definitely need food during this phase. Good luck with her!

[Psythe]

Thanks! Going to try my best.