ID confirmation please

[Deleted]

have looks around allot on the forum and was convinced for the most part that i had found 4 Lasius Niger.

could you take a look and let me know if im mistaken.

www.dropbox.com/sh/g5ee0iqg70lhxp6/x5SNWZJpjA

I'm working on a better setup for pictures had to take these just using webcam.

also included one of her lava that she keeps away from the remaining eggs

[Deleted]

Yeah, looks like it to me.

EDIT: I'm no ID expert. It could be a lookalike, but it is most likely Lasius niger.

[Deleted]

Yes, Theowired, those are indeed Lasius niger, and healthy ones at that! Congrats on finding them.

[Deleted]

Aug 28, 2012 23:57:53 GMT 1 @billy said:

..It could be a lookalike..

Unlikely, as when we are dealing with a lookalike they are often less dark brown/black as this specimen.

[Deleted]

I've captured a good few Lasius Niger specimens in my time and never seen them with the clear band as pronounced as that, but yes that is Lasius Niger.

[Deleted]

The clear bands just mean that she's well-fed. What country was this queen found in? General location is always important in an ID (not to mention the length, in millimeters, of the specimen).

[Deleted]

was found in harrogate, north Yorkshire, uk

and yes she is well fed i have 4 queens and though id try feed half of them see how they do. used some neopol which is a pollen substitute my dad has for the bees.

gave them a small blob one night and it went without a trace so offered a slightly bigger blob next night. that also went without a trace however the two queens looked like they were about to burst. so going to wait before i offer them any more

here's an odd thing though those that i have fed have smaller brood, in so much as the lava are at a smaller stage.