Queen Ant ID in PA, USA

[Rafiredog]

Location: Lancaster, front yard
Size: 10mm
Attitude: Very calm, stays on the wet cotton

[Batspiderfish]

Probably Lasius neoniger. How did you find her?

[Rafiredog]

Found her in a garden yeterday while doing yardwork crawling around on the soil.

Didn't think it was neoniger but we shall see if she lays

[idahoantgirl]

looks like neoniger. This species often will not lay until after winter. They usually don't fly till September so... maybe she will lay before winter. I have raised two colonies of neonigers. So definitely don't throw her out if she doesn't lay.

[Rafiredog]

looks like neoniger. This species often will not lay until after winter. They usually don't fly till September so... maybe she will lay before winter. I have raised two colonies of neonigers. So definitely don't throw her out if she doesn't lay.

And she is fully claustral? That is a long time to wait to get your first niantics

[idahoantgirl]

looks like neoniger. This species often will not lay until after winter. They usually don't fly till September so... maybe she will lay before winter. I have raised two colonies of neonigers. So definitely don't throw her out if she doesn't lay.

And she is fully claustral? That is a long time to wait to get your first niantics

yes, and yes.she requires no food before her workers.