Bug ID request

moricollins

Arachno search engine
Old Timer
Joined
Nov 15, 2003
Messages
3,698
Hello, I've been finding these guys in my house, any idea what they could be?

Located in Ontario, Canada

When killed/squished they smell strongly of citronella.

PXL_20210827_124923703.jpg PXL_20210827_124925792.jpg
 

douglas weird

Arachnopeon
Joined
Apr 19, 2021
Messages
25
Yes, this is an alate female Lasius. One of the numerous socially parasitic species.
As I previously understood it, only the males and the queens take to the air and disperse during their breeding season.
I guess I have more to learn! Could one of you tell me how you could determine this was a female (queen) from the photo?


ETA:

I just found this:

I always learn something new when I visit these boards.
I suppose I should call them reproductives rather than queens because they haven't started a colony yet..? and that smaller abdomens means its a male?
I am genuinely curious if anyone knows!
 
Last edited:

Ponerinecat

Arachnobaron
Joined
Apr 3, 2020
Messages
340
As I previously understood it, only the males and the queens take to the air and disperse during their breeding season.
I guess I have more to learn! Could one of you tell me how you could determine this was a female (queen) from the photo?


ETA:

I just found this:

I always learn something new when I visit these boards.
I suppose I should call them reproductives rather than queens because they haven't started a colony yet..? and that smaller abdomens means its a male?
I am genuinely curious if anyone knows!
There is no definitive trait other than possessing genitalia and a male reproductive system, but generally, males are winged, have a greatly reduced head, extremely large eyes, and non-functional mandibles. Female reproductives, generally, have a standard sized or enlarged head, standard eye size relative to the head, and functional mandibles. There are numerous very radical examples that do not conform to this rule, such as wingless worker-like males with standard eyes and functional or even specialized mandibles, or female reproductives with reduced mandibles, eyes, and ability to survive. The best way to sex an ant without examining one is just recognizing what each sex looks like for their particular genus/tribe beforehand.
 
Top