7 replies to this topic

[tndrm54]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: in a town called Mount Isa in North Queensland in Australia. Wiki link below:

https://en.m.wikiped.../wiki/Mount_Isa


2. Date of collection: 4th of jan 2019

3. Habitat of collection: in my bedroom. I just found her walking on the floor.

4. Length (from head to gaster):9mm

5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: shiney orange colour with a hint of green and yellow on her gaster.

6. Distinguishing characteristics: none noted other than colour and size

7. Distinguishing behavior:not happy in a test tube, constantly pulling at cotton.

8. Nest description: unknown

9. Nuptial flight time and date:unknown

I have tried to do some research and thought she might be Oecophylla Smaragdina based on one photo in this blog.

http://termitesandan...smaragdina.html

However at 9mm she seems a bit small for a Oecophylla Smaragdina queen maybe?








The image quality is not great given i only have a clip on macro lens.

[Mdrogun]

This is not a species of Oecophylla. I'm sorry, but that's all I can tell ya. Hopefully somebody knowledgeable on Australian ants can weigh in.

[YsTheAnt]

Edit: Incorrect ID, Phillidris is the way to go.

Edited by YsTheAnt, January 6 2019 - 6:05 PM.

[Manitobant]

I’m not an expert on Australian ants, but I’m thinking it could be philidris, which is an arboreal species that nests in plants. They can still be kept in the traditional setup though.

[AnthonyP163]

Due to the eyes being closer to the mandibles than most queens, such as Iridomyurmex, I think this is a Philidris queen. 

 

You might be able to ID her better since you can see her, so if you're willing to take the time, here's a key to Dolichoderinae in Australia - http://www.antwiki.o..._Dolichoderinae

Edited by AnthonyP163, January 6 2019 - 10:53 AM.

[tndrm54]

Thanks to all for your thoughts and for the link to the Key to Australian Genera of Dolichoderinae.

Philidris seems like it might be on the money but will have a close look.

There is a lot of nuptial flight activity at the moment in the area and I have found several queens of other species so will post new threads for help identifying them!

[Manitobant]

Thanks to all for your thoughts and for the link to the Key to Australian Genera of Dolichoderinae.
Philidris seems like it might be on the money but will have a close look.
There is a lot of nuptial flight activity at the moment in the area and I have found several queens of other species so will post new threads for help identifying them!

Just letting you know that philidris ants have a special relationship with a plant known as myrmecodia beccari, which means that if you want a naturalistic setup, you can actually buy one and have them nest in it. They can be pretty common in the plant trade so it shouldn’t really be a challenge getting one.

[tndrm54]

That sounds like a great idea - thanks!