Hi everyone. I found this ant outside on September 24 in New York. Can anyone tell me if it's a queen and what species it is? Thank you!
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What species is this?
Started By
qwerty3
, Sep 24 2017 2:35 PM
10 replies to this topic
#2
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Posted September 24 2017 - 2:37 PM
Martialis
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Measurements, please! Centimeters or millimeters work best.
That said, this resembles a Lasius social parasite queen, possibly L. umbratus.
Edited by Martialis, September 24 2017 - 2:38 PM.
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#3
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Posted September 24 2017 - 2:41 PM
qwerty3
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Thank you so much! The ant is 6-8 mm. Is it fully claustral or not?
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#4
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Posted September 24 2017 - 2:48 PM
Martialis
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As she is most likely a social parasite queen, you'll need to give her workers for her to lay eggs.
This guide should prove helpful:
http://www.formicult...cial-parasites/
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#5
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Posted September 24 2017 - 2:56 PM
T.C.
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Agreed with martialis.
Lasius umbratus
“If I am killed for simply living, let death be kinder than man.” -Althea Davis
#6
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Posted September 24 2017 - 4:38 PM
Flame.Hyped
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Hey! I'm from New York too I'll trade you a lasius neoniger queen for your lasius umbratus, as lasius umbratus won't be able to lay eggs or start a colony on their own.
#7
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Posted September 24 2017 - 5:04 PM
VoidElecent
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I think it might be Lasius speculiventris! 
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#8
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Posted September 24 2017 - 5:08 PM
Flame.Hyped
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Speculiventris and umbratus are closely related but I don't believe speculiventris are found in NY
#9
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Posted September 24 2017 - 5:44 PM
Batspiderfish
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Lasius speculiventris are found in NY, but I can't tell from the pictures if this is what you have. Does the gaster have an impressive mirror-like shine after the first segment? Or does it look a lot like the rest of her body? I haven't figured out how to raise Lasius speculiventris, yet.
L. speculiventris are thought to parasitize another social parasite, Lasius minutus. I haven't figured out how to raise Lasius minutus, yet. 
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If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.
Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.
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#10
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Posted September 24 2017 - 6:11 PM
VoidElecent
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Lasius speculiventris are found in NY, but I can't tell from the pictures if this is what you have. Does the gaster have an impressive mirror-like shine after the first segment? Or does it look a lot like the rest of her body? I haven't figured out how to raise Lasius speculiventris, yet.
L. speculiventris are thought to parasitize another social parasite, Lasius minutus. I haven't figured out how to raise Lasius minutus, yet.
Speculiventris and umbratus are closely related but I don't believe speculiventris are found in NY
I dunno, that queen looks pretty darn shiny to me!
#11
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Posted September 25 2017 - 3:37 AM
Mettcollsuss
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I have 2 Lasius claviger queens and 1 Lasius umbratus queen. Yours looks more like my L. umbratus queen.
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