4 replies to this topic

[Pufferkke]

Hi ant lovers

 

Could you please assist me on identifying this potential queen?

 

I caught this one on 01/05 (Belgium - Europe - On the ground between sand/grass in a not so dense forest). Was about 28-29 degrees in the afternoon when i caught this one, a rather dry day with little wind and low humidity. I also caught another one 5 minutes later, 20 meters apart, makes me wonder if it's not a worker ant, though i didn't see any other ants like this during my search.

 

It's the first time today checking on these 2 ants i caught last week. Potentially a parasitic type, or they just haven't gotten to laying eggs yet. Which would be completely fine. They still seemed quiete active and "strong" after a week in the testtube, which makes me think it's not a worker ant. Could be very wrong offcourse, i'm a COMPLETE begginer.

 

Seems like the ant tried to dig a way out based on the cotton, and it's forging an escap plan looking at it's "hands"

 

Please see some pictures below:

 

Many thanks in advance.

[Pufferkke]

Apologies, now with pictures.

Attached Images

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[bmb1bee]

They are Formica queens. However, I'm not sure if this species is protected by law in your country. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable would be able to answer.

[Artisan_Ants]

Looks like Formica rufa, but otherwise definitely some Formica species in the Formica-rufa group of ants. This type is not at all parasitic so no need to worry about lending host workers to the queen. She will lay eggs on her OWN. Give them some time, annd they will lay. Good luck with them!

[bmb1bee]

Looks like Formica rufa, but otherwise definitely some Formica species in the Formica-rufa group of ants. This type is not at all parasitic so no need to worry about lending host workers to the queen. She will lay eggs on her OWN. Give them some time, annd they will lay. Good luck with them!

You're probably right on your ID, but it's worth noting that the rufa group is actually most well-known for their founding behavior as temporary parasites. This means she'll need host Formica workers and/or pupae in order to lay eggs and start a colony.