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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2012 3:34:58 GMT 1
Greetings, everybody! I don't expect this run of the game to last particularly long, but I feel that I might as well get this one out there, as I find this to be a very interesting species. I'd also like to announce that from now on, the first person to give the correct answer publicly will earn the opportunity to launch the next ID game, if they wish. The source of the image will be revealed at the end of the game. The ant in this photo was found near Oxshott. She is 6mm long.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2012 23:57:46 GMT 1
In the UK, there's a chance you might find this queen wandering above ground after winter hibernation. I would love if somebody found one of these.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2012 12:55:12 GMT 1
ermmmmmm
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2012 13:03:33 GMT 1
Why does that photo yell Tetramorium caespitum to me?
EDIT:- Now ruled out due to petiole node.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2012 2:21:35 GMT 1
I can see how that would look a little like Tetramorium; except that the head isn't totally weird-looking. I think that Tetramorium queens look silly.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2012 15:02:53 GMT 1
Right, I recognies it from somewhere, I will do some more investigation, when I get home tommorow!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2012 3:25:57 GMT 1
I'm going to guess Lasius fuliginosus, although, chances are, I'm completely off.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2012 9:05:34 GMT 1
I think he is right, the head looks like Lasius fuliginous, and BSF said they can be seen after hibernation, and thats what I think parasite ants do?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2012 1:46:26 GMT 1
Yes! the answer is Lasius fuliginosus. This species of Lasius is jet-black compared to the brownish L niger. Nuptial flights occur in late fall, much like their frequent host, Lasius umbratus; these two species are obligate social parasites. The parasite of a social parasite, Lasius fuliginosus is often considered hyper-parasitic, but colonies may be founded just as well in the nests of other Lasius. Queens have typical parasitic features: a large head, and a minimalistic abdomen. A queen may attempt to infiltrate a nest in the few days after her flight, or may construct a chamber to overwinter in, setting out in the spring. For more on social parasites: myrm.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=genants&thread=4437&page=1This species is known to be an enthusiastic carton builder, using a unique fungus for a Lasius. Certainly a welcome change from the more common Lasius of Britain and Europe. Go out and find a Lasius umbratus or Lasius fuliginosus queen this summer. Source of the photo: flickriver.com/photos/msitua/sets/72157621050756524/
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2012 1:48:58 GMT 1
Good job ColoradoAnts! If you would like to host your own ID game at this time, just drop a post.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2012 4:36:52 GMT 1
Good job ColoradoAnts! If you would like to host your own ID game at this time, just drop a post. Thank you! I would be happy to host an ID game at some point. I'll let you know when I've come up with something.
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