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Need second opinion on the identifications on some queens
Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 2:33 pm
by JakeM0816
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!
Re: Need second opinion on the identifications on some queens
Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 3:07 pm
by Batspiderfish
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.
Re: Need second opinion on the identifications on some queens
Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 4:16 pm
by JakeM0816
Thanks, I live in Illinois, it doesn’t look entirely lasius umbratus to me, are there any other possible species it could be?
Re: Need second opinion on the identifications on some queens
Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 4:18 pm
by JakeM0816
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
Re: Need second opinion on the identifications on some queens
Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 4:49 pm
by JakeM0816
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?
Re: Need second opinion on the identifications on some queens
Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 5:25 pm
by Batspiderfish
Yes. It is good to give social parasites food every once in a while.