6 replies to this topic

[Virginian_ants]

I found 3 Queen ants outside of Charlottesville. They look like parasitic queens but thru were in claustral chambers do i can't tell any ideas?
https://photos.app.g...gP5Cp1j2CpTjL99

[antperson24]

I found 3 Queen ants outside of Charlottesville. They look like parasitic queens but thru were in claustral chambers do i can't tell any ideas?
https://photos.app.g...gP5Cp1j2CpTjL99

Most definitely a parasitic Lasius species. Good luck raising them! 

[Virginian_ants]

Thanks, but do you know why they were in claustral chambers?

[Manitobant]

They were hibernating. What many parasitic lasius species do is hibernate alone in a claustral cell or piece of wood after their flight and then sneak into a host colony and kill their queen early in the spring while they are still asleep. Its a very effective strategy and means they don’t have to deal with tons of angry host workers at the nest entrance.

[antperson24]

They were hibernating. What many parasitic lasius species do is hibernate alone in a claustral cell or piece of wood after their flight and then sneak into a host colony and kill their queen early in the spring while they are still asleep. Its a very effective strategy and means they don’t have to deal with tons of angry host workers at the nest entrance.

Yes, I have seen parasitic Lasius queens hibernating after their nuptial flights. The strategy they use is pretty smart! 

[Virginian_ants]

Okay thanks.

[BDantsalberta]

They were hibernating Lasius Claviger queens.