Ant queen this time of the year?

eelnoob

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Nov 22, 2006
Messages
334
Just found what looks like a ant queen in the house. It is normal for them to be wondering around this time of the year? How should I go about taking care of it or getting it ready for winter?


Here's a picture I just took.



Thanks
 

syndicate

Arachnoemperor
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 26, 2005
Messages
4,497
Wow!First off that's an amazing photo!You nailed the lighting on that!
Some ant species I know fly when its kinda cold but I would almost expect it might be to late for most species right now??
How big is the queen?I'm not so great with ant ID's but it almost reminds me of maybe Lasius or Prenolepis?
Might have some good luck with ID here:
http://antfarm.yuku.com/
-Chris
 

bugmankeith

Arachnoking
Old Timer
Joined
Jun 4, 2006
Messages
2,730
I always thought ant queens were huge and immobile like termite queens. I guess I have seen many ant queens than in my yard!
 

eelnoob

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Nov 22, 2006
Messages
334
Wow!First off that's an amazing photo!You nailed the lighting on that!
Some ant species I know fly when its kinda cold but I would almost expect it might be to late for most species right now??
How big is the queen?I'm not so great with ant ID's but it almost reminds me of maybe Lasius or Prenolepis?
Might have some good luck with ID here:
http://antfarm.yuku.com/
-Chris
Thanks

That's probably my best macro shot to date.

It is about 5mm. I'm not positive if it's actually a queen but it does have a huge abdomen.

I always thought ant queens were huge and immobile like termite queens. I guess I have seen many ant queens than in my yard!
I think queen ants are just larger than workers and can be almost as mobile.



Besides I'm not quite sure how to properly cared for it so released it outside.
 
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