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Lasius Niger vs similar species

Started By FelixTheAnter , Aug 15 2021 6:51 AM

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3 replies to this topic

#1 Offline FelixTheAnter - Posted August 15 2021 - 6:51 AM

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Is there a way to tell for-sure if a queen is L. Niger or not? I caught several hundred queens during the recent flight. It's easy to tell apart L. Niger from L. Flavus due to the yellow underside of L. Flavus. But I'm wondering if some of the extra-dark ones are actually Formica Fusca queens? Because, in my experience, L. Niger queens tend to be more brown than black. I've also noticed that some of the queens have more noticeable banding on their abdomens than others. I'd love if someone who has experience with these common species could chime in their thoughts!
Here's a couple example of lighter-colored queens (I am assuming L. Niger):

And here's a couple of the darker ones, which I am wondering if they are perhaps a different species such as F. Fusca:

Especially in the last one, her proportions seemed a little different.

I'd appreciate any input, I have several hundred to sort through and am trying to make sure I get correct ID's!

Location is North Holland, the Netherlands.

#2 Offline Kaelwizard - Posted August 15 2021 - 11:36 AM

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LocationPoway, California

The dark one is Lasius, not Formica. Not sure on exact species.

#3 Offline NickAnter - Posted August 15 2021 - 12:24 PM

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LocationOrange County, California

Well there are a couple similar species, such as L. platythorax, L. alienus, and L. niger. Not sure how to distinguish between platythoraz and niger, but, alienus does not have erect hairs on the scapes, whereas niger does.

Hi there! I went on a 6 month or so hiatus, in part due, and in part cause of the death of my colonies.

However, I went back to the Sierras, and restarted my collection, which is now as follows:

Aphaenogaster uinta, Camponotus vicinus, Camponotus modoc, Formica cf. aserva, Formica cf. micropthalma, Formica cf. manni, Formica subpolita, Formica cf. subaenescens, Lasius americanus, Manica invidia, Pogonomyrmex salinus, Pogonomyrmex sp. 1, Solenopsis validiuscula, & Solenopsis sp. 3 (new Sierra variant).