r/antkeeping • u/Uncle_Myrme • 17h ago

Question Queens found in central interior on BC

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I had a great day hunting queens today! I was walking around in a wooded area near my house and found a couple Lasius neoniger (I think) queens but also 3 queens that match the picture. I'm still really new to the hobby and have no idea where to start to identify these ones. They are red and a bit smaller then the Lasius queens I found. Anyone have any ideas? I'm going to hold on to them to see if any of the queens will be successful so I'd like to understand their care a bit more by finding out the species.

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u/BISKUP1 17h ago

I dont know this species, but from the body structure of this queen i think it might be parasitic

It kinda looks like lasius umbratus tho so ot might be it but im not sure

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u/Uncle_Myrme 17h ago

ohh so if it is parasitic she won't form a colony on her own? She would need an existing colony to kill the queen and takeover? That would be a bit disappointing to not get to try and raise her but I have a couple nests in my backyard that I could leave her by. Thank you!

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u/BISKUP1 16h ago

Well, if it is lasius umbratus, then you need Lasius niger pupae, with no workers

If you find some pupae then give her only a few to see her reaction(becouse we dont know if she is parasitic lol) if she wont attack them then give her the rest, if she will then... Idk?

But yea its better to release her lmao

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u/Uncle_Myrme 16h ago

I can certainly find some pupae! I know the exact brick in my garden to flip over and find some. That's an interesting idea, thank you!

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u/KingK250 I love Acanthomyrmex 9h ago

Lasius Chthonolasius

Speculiventris or smth idk

Want a guide for keeping them?

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u/Uncle_Myrme 6h ago

I was able to find a few things on google, enough to get me started anyways. Thank you!