Species ID (Alates and workers pictured)

[ooper01]

Came across a nuptial flight two days ago, July 23, 2019, in northern Utah mountains. Wasn't sure what species it was. Any ideas? Workers, virgin queen alates, and male alates pictured.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_eWAaE2YsyrjTrvCbGraoPVKV1095liF

[Hawkeye]

Came across a nuptial flight two days ago, July 23, 2019, in northern Utah mountains. Wasn't sure what species it was. Any ideas? Workers, virgin queen alates, and male alates pictured.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_eWAaE2YsyrjTrvCbGraoPVKV1095liF

The picture you posted requires access. Try using an imgur account?

[ooper01]

Came across a nuptial flight two days ago, July 23, 2019, in northern Utah mountains. Wasn't sure what species it was. Any ideas? Workers, virgin queen alates, and male alates pictured.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_eWAaE2YsyrjTrvCbGraoPVKV1095liF

The picture you posted requires access. Try using an imgur account?

Hmm, I thought I shared access to anyone with the link?? I'll check it again...

[ooper01]

If someone else tries the image link and can't access it, please let me know.

[ooper01]

After some research, I'm pretty sure they are Lasius claviger. For some reason I was thinking these ladies flew later in the year, so I didn't include them in my research until just today. From what I've read, they are difficult to keep since they are social parasites. The queens invade other Lasius colonies, pretending to be the queen, and then eventually kill the real queen and assume her spot.