? queen black ant with and without wings

[colincurry]

I tried to snap flying ants yesterday but gave up in disgust. However, this one landed not far away on the remains of our parched lawn (I understand that there have been hordes of these throughout the country but not many where we are).

In the first three snaps, the wings may be clearly seen:







In the next three pics, no wings may be seen. I am fairly convinced that this is the same ant but I could not see any discarded wings.







I am assuming that this is the common black garden ant?

Colin

[Jason Green]

Evening Colin,

I'm not too sure if any keys exist for the seperation of Queens, but yes - Lasius sp. (it was recently seperated into two species, with workers seperated by the density if diagonal hairs on the clypeus).

The big Queens emerge and take to the air along with smaller males - and mate. Once that has taken place she will lose her wings (I believe the male will help her off with them), then he dies shortly after, and she goes on to start a new colony. You have photographed her post-mate and about to start that said new colony.

If I have misunderstood the process, please correct me anyone!

Take care,

Jason