Lasius Neoniger/Niger?

[Rovvov99]

I think Lasius Niger, I believe that L.Neoniger only lays eggs after hibernation (correct me if I'm wrong).

[Rovvov99]

Hmmm, it could also be Lasius Flavus. They are slightly smaller than L.Niger, are lighter in color and have yellowish legs.

[Ants4fun]

Color isn't the best way to identify ants. In south dakotah, Lasius neoniger, Lasius Flavus, Lasius alenius, and more Lasius sp all have yellow legs. An a good amount of Lasius neoniger have a bit of yellow at the bottom. I am not sure what you have, as it flew so early. It could be a more rare sp. Of Lasius that flies earlier in the summer, although the bottom one looks like Lasius alenius. Otherwise, the top one looks like Lasius neoniger.

[Mdrogun]

This year because of global warming some ants have been confused and are flying at times they are not supposed to. I have caught Lasius neoniger this year in Minnesota on vacation about a month ago. My lasius neoniger already have large larvae that will probably pupate soon. It is very possible for them to rear brood before hibernation.

This could very well not be Lasius neoniger. I am just telling you that ants can act differently then they are supposed to.