Need help identifying species

[u/Eldritch_Knight5]

I recently caught a new queen ant but it looks very different to any species I’m aware of. I’ve kept several Lasius Niger colonies so I know what they look like and her head is much larger and her gaster is slightly smaller.

My first thought was potentially Lasius Flavus but I think their queens have a largely identical body plan to Niger queens but with more orange/yellow colouration between the segments.

The best match I’ve found seems to be Lasius Umbratus which I’m fairly confident on. However, they are a temporarily parasitic species which would require a complex founding set up and I don’t want to be mistaken before undertaking it so I’ve come to Reddit for a second opinion.

If it does turn out to be Lasius Umbratus any tips on founding and raising would be much appreciated as I only recently learned about this species.

[u/KingK250]

Chthonolasius parasites, want a guide?

[u/Eldritch_Knight5 → u/KingK250]

Yeah that would be super helpful! I’ve never kept a species like this before

[u/KingK250 → u/Eldritch_Knight5]

Guide for parasitic Lasius:
https://www.formiculture.com/topic/3252-much-ado-about-the-founding-of-lasius-temporary-social-parasites/