14 replies to this topic

[rbarreto]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Western Quebec.

2. Date of collection: 07/28/18 at around 4:30 PM.
3. Habitat of collection: On the sandy bank of a fast flowing river.

4. Length (from head to gaster): 12-13 mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Red head and thorax with a black band around the mesonotum (I think that's what that body part is called), all black gaster.  She also appears to be completely hairless.
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Her large head and small gaster makes me think she is parasitic.
7. Distinguishing behavior: So aggressive, Opens her jaws and points her gaster at me immediately, she isn't afraid of anything. She can also see me from really far away so her eyesight must be very good.
8. Nest description: N/A

9. Nuptial flight time and date: Well I don't know when she flew but it was still raining when I found her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by rbarreto, July 29 2018 - 1:30 PM.

[Major]

Definitely a Formica sp. Not too familiar with Canadian ants. My best guess would be Formica Adamsi or Formica Ravida. (I'm probably wrong)

Here's a link to Canadian ants, maybe you can find a match: http://www.antwiki.org/wiki/Canada

[Batspiderfish]

It's important to have a view of the mesosoma directly from the side.

[rbarreto]

I hope these are good enough!

 

 

 

 

 

[Batspiderfish]

How hairy is her mesosoma?

[rbarreto]

I didn't see any hair at all.

[AntsBC]

Deleted, old post.

Edited by AntsBC, July 17 2020 - 5:56 PM.

[Batspiderfish]

No hair on the mesosoma would indicate Formica integra.

[rbarreto]

Thanks a bunch!

[Lazarus]

Nice one!

 

Title of post indicates it was caught in Ottawa but post says Western Quebec. So is it Quebec or Ontario?

[rbarreto]

Edited 

[rbarreto]

So I've been trying to research Formica integra and so far I have gathered that they are temporary parasites and not a slave-making species (so as low as it may be I may actually have a chance of keeping them), they are polygynous, and they form mounds. Now what I am trying to find is which host they require. I'm assuming any of the common fusca group species would work but I want to be sure. Any help would be appreciated!

[TennesseeAnts]

Definitely Formica integra.

[RushmoreAnts]

The topic is a little old........

[TennesseeAnts]

The topic is a little old........

Topics never die. They may simply go dormant.

Also it's a good idea to help people with their ID requests even if the threads are old.

Edited by Ant_Dude2908, March 21 2020 - 6:39 PM.