5 replies to this topic

[TheGamblingAnt]

Hey guys,

Found this one today by herself under a rock right near a path in a pretty wooded forest. She's orangish brown and pretty small only 6mm. My first guess based on looking online is a lasius neoniger. Thinking maybe she was a late flyer last year and just coming out of hibernation? Also noticed she appears to be injured. Half of the harder outside of her gaster appears to be missing. Can see right through it. Is this Anything to be concerned about? Never seen anything like that before, not sure if she will be ok or not.

1. Location (on a map) of collection: wisconsin
2. Date of collection: 5/23/25
3. Habitat of collection: wooded forest under rock
4. Length (from head to gaster): 6mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: orangish brown
6. Distinguishing characteristics:

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[L.H]

I can't really tell from body because of the damage, but it seems to be a lasius nearcticus or brevicornis from the color of the head.

The body does seem pretty dark though so it could also be neoniger or americanus.

Edited by L.H, May 24 2025 - 9:16 AM.

[AntBoi3030]

Looks like Lasius sp. possibly lasius brevicornis.

[Ants_Dakota]

You can read my journal here: https://www.formicul...urnal/?p=243773and compare your queen to the images of the 5 species I have.

[TheGamblingAnt]

Appreciate the feedback guys, I was also thinking lasius, torn between lasius brevicornis and neoniger. They look very similar to me. Ants_dakota I checked out your post with your neoniger and she looks very very similar to mine so maybe that's what I caught yesterday? Her gaster looks much better today, appears to have healed pretty good overnight. I also fed her a small cotton ball soaked with some sugar water and she looks much more full today so I'm thinking she ate good since yesterday! I took a few new pictures attached today to see how she was doing. Looks very good today so now I've got her tucked away in my heated cabinet and won't check on her for the next two weeks! What do you guys think she is after looking at these new pictures? lasius brevicornis? Neoniger? Something different?

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[Ants_Dakota]

Lasius brevicornis is immediately distinguishable by color alone, so if you are not immediately confident your queen is a shiny golden color it is likely Lasius neoniger, if those are the options you are between. Shine a bright light on your queen and compare her to the images at the bottom of this post: https://www.formicul...urnal/?p=243839

That should answer any questions.