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Are these lasius parasitic ?


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6 replies to this topic

#1 Offline Virginian_ants - Posted March 4 2023 - 1:49 PM

Virginian_ants

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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
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#2 Offline antperson24 - Posted March 4 2023 - 4:45 PM

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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!  ;)


 Why keep ants that aren't found in your yard?

There are so many fascinating ants right were you live!

I disagree with the keeping/buying of ants that are not found in your area.

 


#3 Offline Virginian_ants - Posted March 4 2023 - 5:21 PM

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

#4 Offline Manitobant - Posted March 4 2023 - 5:37 PM

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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.
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#5 Offline antperson24 - Posted March 5 2023 - 5:59 AM

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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! 


 Why keep ants that aren't found in your yard?

There are so many fascinating ants right were you live!

I disagree with the keeping/buying of ants that are not found in your area.

 


#6 Offline Virginian_ants - Posted March 5 2023 - 10:25 AM

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Okay thanks.
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#7 Offline BDantsalberta - Posted March 6 2023 - 10:55 AM

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They were hibernating Lasius Claviger queens.






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