Very small ant queens, very small indeed! (IN MAINE) PLEASE HELP!

[AGENTSCEPTILE]

Hi, I'm working on better pics, but here's the info-
All of which I found were just under the surface of the ground,
Early summer, late spring here in Maine,
Found them few weeks ago now, no eggs but are just fine (Sneaky buggers are trying to make nests in the cotton )
Please help!
https://imgur.com/a/beAbfqM

[AGENTSCEPTILE]

UPDATE- the smaller ant queen has gotten sick , and I am nursing her, BUT-
My well and good queen has new pictures!
https://imgur.com/a/BINX2vW

[JoeHostile1]

[TheRealAntMan]

Lasius americanus.

[JoeHostile1]

Lasius americanus.

How can you tell it apart from a Neoniger?

[AGENTSCEPTILE]

Also, this IS a queen, right?

[WillWithAnts]

Also, this IS a queen, right?

Yes!

[TheRealAntMan]

Lasius americanus.

How can you tell it apart from a Neoniger?

L. neoniger isn't flying right now. Only L. americanus and several parasitic Lasius are flying are right now

[AGENTSCEPTILE]

Thank you VERY much! I have been trying to ID this for 2 years!
As for laying eggs, however, I don't think she will be laying anytime soon as I have her all safe in a test tube for a few weeks now without eggs, I think this is possible due to the fact that the end of her gaster is kind of squished/pushed in
Thank you so much and have a Happy Anting 2019!