5 replies to this topic

[Cooldude]

Hello I was wondering if someone could help ID the ant species of this queen I found on Saturday April 30th?  I live in NYC and found this little lady walking by my door without a care in the world.  I want to say lasius alienus, but I'm not sure.

 

1. Location: Bronx, NY

2. Date of collection: 04/30/16

3. Habitat of collection: Located in backyard in front of door in a suburban..ish area (though still urban if that makes sense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I appreciate any help in identifying this queen.  

 

 

[noebl1]

I am not an expert, but looks really similar to a parasitic Lasius (like an Umbratus). I saw a *ton* of them this weekend here in Massachusetts, here's my thread:

http://www.formicult...sachusetts-usa/

 

However, I very well could be wrong

Edited by noebl1, May 4 2016 - 2:47 PM.

[Cooldude]

Is it possible for them to start a colony without adding "slave ants" in her environment? Perhaps leaving a small amount of honey and cut up meal worms so she doesn't starve to death? It just seems like evolution should have equipped this species the ability to either be a parasitic queen or start a colony on her own if resources are available. I dunno, it just seems like a waste if she is a parasitic queen that refuses to lay eggs in the absence of "slave ants. "

[dspdrew]

The problem is they won't raise their young.

[LC3]

Raising baby ants takes effort and energy, something parasitic Lasius weren't meant for. They simply don't have the fat reserves needed for raising a batch of brood. Thus relying on the workers of the host colony to do it for her.

[noebl1]

I've already found 3 parasitic ones in the last month, and have been disappointed every time too    I'm too much a newbie to try to care for these and attempt to get parasitic Lasius to join existing workers from another colony, so I let them go.  I'm trying to be patient with hopes I can find a Lasius Niger or Neoniger later this summer.  The camponotus I think should start flying soon, so keep an eye out.  I haven't seen them here yet in Massachusetts, and in previous years I've found them *everywhere* for a few days when they do finally fly.

Edited by noebl1, May 4 2016 - 3:59 PM.