6 replies to this topic

[irvosanjose]

1. San Jose, CA
2. Date of collection: 1/20/19 
3. Habitat of collection: Residential, suburban. Backyard with Japanese Maples
4. Length (from head to gaster): 9mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Brown, amber
6. Distinguishing characteristics: 
7. Distinguishing behavior:
8. Nest description: 

9. Nuptial flight time and date: I found 4 on 1/20/19 so I'm guess the flight was on that date.

 

3 of the 4 queens survived the first week. All three have laid eggs. Thanks in advance!

 

Edited by irvosanjose, March 31 2019 - 9:01 PM.

[YsTheAnt]

Seems to be a very dark form of Prenolepis imparis, aka the winter ant.

[AnthonyP163]

Possibly Prenolepis imparis californicus. 

[Rstheant]

Prenolepis imparis.

[irvosanjose]

Sounds like there's a consensus. Formiculture rocks! Many thanks!

[FeedTheAnts]

That's is a beautiful queen. Nice find.

[irvosanjose]

Thanks again for the help. Here are a couple more pictures with the brood from tonight. Two of the three seem to have more going on. I've seen a couple of posts where the test tubes are opened to each other once the nanitics are eclosed so they can form a single colony with multiple queens. I'm thinking about giving that a try. I wouldn't have known that was a possibility without the ID help. Thanks!