11 replies to this topic

[MinigunL5]

I need more ant IDs XD

I found these guys in my backyard. I will post images of 2 that look very similar and were found pretty far apart in my yard(I found more later). I will call them ant 1 and 2.

1. Location (on a map) of collection: In my backyard(a normal decent sized backyard with grass and some moss.)
2. Date of collection: mid afternoon may 6th
3. Habitat of collection: Ant hill/yard
4. Length (from head to gaster): 
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: ANt 1 is a darker brown while ant 2 is a lighter brown
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Idk nothing much
7. Distinguishing behavior: idk
8. Nest description: small ant hill(pics in imgur)

9. Nuptial flight time and date: N/A

Ant 1 and its nest pics: https://imgur.com/a/3SQ7SZV

 

Ant 2 and its nest pics: https://imgur.com/a/yVivRIt

 

I think they might be the same species or genus. As I said earlier I found more nests but they looked very similar and so did their ants so this is all I got.
 
All help would be appreciated!

Edited by MinigunL5, May 6 2020 - 2:53 PM.

[VoidElecent]

1. Myrmica sp.
2. Lasius sp. (looks like Lasius neoniger)

[MinigunL5]

 

1. Myrmica sp.
2. Lasius sp. (looks like Lasius neoniger)

 

YEEES!! I needed lasius neoniger for my parasitic queen

[MinigunL5]

If anyone could back up this ID it would be really useful.

[AntsMaryland]

I agree with VoidElecent.

[MinigunL5]

I agree with VoidElecent.

ok, but is it neoniger?

Edited by MinigunL5, May 6 2020 - 3:27 PM.

[AntsDakota]

I agree with VoidElecent.

ok, but is it neoniger?

I can’t tell, but regardless, they should work as hosts. Parasitic queens prey on a variety of host species, including pretty much all the possible species that worker could be (neoniger, americanus, pallitarsis, etc.) I would think neoniger is a pretty good guess, though.

[MinigunL5]

 

I agree with VoidElecent.

ok, but is it neoniger?

 

Ok, I'll try it with the colony of ant 2!

Thx for the help!

[MinigunL5]

 

 

I agree with VoidElecent.

ok, but is it neoniger?

I can’t tell, but regardless, they should work as hosts. Parasitic queens prey on a variety of host species, including pretty much all the possible species that worker could be (neoniger, americanus, pallitarsis, etc.) I would think neoniger is a pretty good guess, though.

 

Should I dig up the nest? What should my plan of action be?

[AntsDakota]

I agree with VoidElecent.

ok, but is it neoniger?

I can’t tell, but regardless, they should work as hosts. Parasitic queens prey on a variety of host species, including pretty much all the possible species that worker could be (neoniger, americanus, pallitarsis, etc.) I would think neoniger is a pretty good guess, though.

Should I dig up the nest? What should my plan of action be?

You could dig into it a little. You only need a few host workers, but you can put in as many as you want. Just make sure to introduce them a few at a time (and expect the queen to kill the first few, as she needs their bodies for their pheromones, so she will be accepted by the rest of the colony). Once she’s accepted, you can put the rest in.

[MinigunL5]

 

 

 

 

I agree with VoidElecent.

ok, but is it neoniger?

I can’t tell, but regardless, they should work as hosts. Parasitic queens prey on a variety of host species, including pretty much all the possible species that worker could be (neoniger, americanus, pallitarsis, etc.) I would think neoniger is a pretty good guess, though.

Should I dig up the nest? What should my plan of action be?

You could dig into it a little. You only need a few host workers, but you can put in as many as you want. Just make sure to introduce them a few at a time (and expect the queen to kill the first few, as she needs their bodies for their pheromones, so she will be accepted by the rest of the colony). Once she’s accepted, you can put the rest in.

 

The only thing is I don't have vinyl tubing  

I'm an anting noob

Is there any other ways to connect 2 tubes?

And, if not, what size(in inches) fit in my 16mm tube
Idk what vinyl tubing to buy

[AnthonyP163]

Based on some of the pictures and the nest mounds you described the first ant is probably Tetramorium immigrans.