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South Florida - October 29

Started By Rulkan , Oct 30 2018 7:34 AM

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7 replies to this topic

#1 Offline Rulkan - Posted October 30 2018 - 7:34 AM

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This ant was collected last night at 10:00 pm and measures in at a length of approximately 5 to 6 mm. The coloring of the thorax, abdomen and head is dark, while the legs are a lighter brownish hue. This ant currently does not like to remain still for long and when it does, it seems interested in pulling at the cotton. Thanks for any help!

Edited by Rulkan, October 31 2018 - 11:15 AM.

#2 Offline Ferox_Formicae - Posted December 10 2018 - 5:59 AM

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I'm going to go with Brachyponera chinensis, an invasive species here in the southeastern US, but a beautiful one.

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#3 Offline Rulkan - Posted December 10 2018 - 9:00 AM

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Hmm, that's interesting. I've never looked at pictures of Brachyponera chinesis. I've been treating this ant and the three or so others I've caught as Hypoponera. There are additional pictures of these guys in my journal under Hypoponera.

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#4 Offline Ferox_Formicae - Posted December 10 2018 - 11:45 AM

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All of the Hypoponera queens I've seen have very clouded wings as opposed to the rather clear wings of these girls. That's what makes me think this is Brachyponera chinensis.

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#5 Offline AnthonyP163 - Posted December 10 2018 - 2:25 PM

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I'm rather doubtfult this is Brachyponera chinensis. It seems to match Hypoponera, and I don't believe B. chinensis is anywhere in florida. If I'm not wrong, Hypoponera should have white cocoons, and B. chinensis yellow. However, maybe pupae colors vary. It's possible that this is B. chinensis considering it's extremely invasive tendencies, but seems somewhat unlikely.

Edited by AnthonyP163, December 10 2018 - 2:26 PM.

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#6 Offline Ferox_Formicae - Posted December 10 2018 - 5:48 PM

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You're right. Brachyponera chinensis doesn't appear to live in Florida. It may be to warm for them. This queen does definitely appear to be Hypoponera, and going off of the coloration, I'd say she's Hypoponera opacior. he wings match as well. I guess the species I see here is a different species, probably Hypoponera opaciceps.