Need second opinion on the identifications on some queens

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JakeM0816
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Location: Chicago

Need second opinion on the identifications on some queens

Post: # 38642Post JakeM0816
Sat Jun 23, 2018 2:33 pm

I caught two queens today and just want to get an idea if I’m right,
Queen one: I think it’s Lasius Flavus or some other lasius species, https://imgur.com/gallery/4QTd86w

Queen two: Looks to me as a Tampinoma species or some other small species, is about 3 mm

https://imgur.com/gallery/KcX2y97

Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
Founding:
3xTetramorium Immigrans
1xcamponatus Pennsylvanicus

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Batspiderfish
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Location: Maine

Re: Need second opinion on the identifications on some queens

Post: # 38644Post Batspiderfish
Sat Jun 23, 2018 3:07 pm

Formica sp. from the pallidefulva group, and Lasius umbratus, a social parasite.
http://www.formiculture.com/topic/3252-much-ado-about-the-founding-of-lasius-temporary-social-parasites/

Lasius minutus is another possibility for the second queen, but I wouldn't go there unless I knew the measurements are accurate and I could see lots of long hairs on the gaster.
If you enjoy my expertise and identifications, please do not put wild populations at risk of disease by releasing pet colonies. We are responsible to give our pets the best care we can manage for the rest of their lives.

JakeM0816
Posts: 21
Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2017 10:58 pm
Location: Chicago

Re: Need second opinion on the identifications on some queens

Post: # 38649Post JakeM0816
Sat Jun 23, 2018 4:16 pm

Thanks, I live in Illinois, it doesn’t look entirely lasius umbratus to me, are there any other possible species it could be?
Founding:
3xTetramorium Immigrans
1xcamponatus Pennsylvanicus

Huntley GAN Farmer :D

JakeM0816
Posts: 21
Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2017 10:58 pm
Location: Chicago

Re: Need second opinion on the identifications on some queens

Post: # 38650Post JakeM0816
Sat Jun 23, 2018 4:18 pm

It looks to be the same size as my tetramorium so. E. Queen of that helps, it does not have long hairs so I’d have to rule that one out
Founding:
3xTetramorium Immigrans
1xcamponatus Pennsylvanicus

Huntley GAN Farmer :D

JakeM0816
Posts: 21
Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2017 10:58 pm
Location: Chicago

Re: Need second opinion on the identifications on some queens

Post: # 38653Post JakeM0816
Sat Jun 23, 2018 4:49 pm

I do see it now In her, so do I dig into a lasius colony and take some pupae and callows like the article said? Should I feed her some honey in the mean time?
Founding:
3xTetramorium Immigrans
1xcamponatus Pennsylvanicus

Huntley GAN Farmer :D

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Batspiderfish
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Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2016 3:47 pm
Location: Maine

Re: Need second opinion on the identifications on some queens

Post: # 38654Post Batspiderfish
Sat Jun 23, 2018 5:25 pm

Yes. It is good to give social parasites food every once in a while.
If you enjoy my expertise and identifications, please do not put wild populations at risk of disease by releasing pet colonies. We are responsible to give our pets the best care we can manage for the rest of their lives.

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