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Photo#239781
Ants - Lasius latipes

Ants - Lasius latipes
Northwest, Minnesota, USA
September 6, 2008
Sure I'd like to know what the species is, but even more I'd like to know what they were doing. I found these generally ringing the edges of the holes they had dug, but they weren't going out exploring. In fact, when I tried to gently disturb them they didn't move a whole lot even though the temp was fairly warm at the time. Thanks

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Ants - Lasius latipes Ants - Lasius latipes Ants - Lasius latipes Ants - Lasius latipes

Lasius latipes
Lasius latipes I'm quite sure from the bulk of the legs on the queens. This ant in particular is part of a group in Lasius that is almost completely subterranean. They feed on underground dew producing insects and only ever come to the surface in late summer and throughout the fall. This is when they have nuptial flights usually in the late afternoon. They are slow to get things moving, sometimes they don't even fly until the second day of coming out like his. Once they get going though queens will begin pouring out of the nest. Males fly out too but I don't see them as often.

 
Additional Image
I've added an additional image that I think shows workers, males, and queens.

 
Thanks
Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

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