Twentynine Palms, CA, USA
7/27/2019
Body:
1. Location of collection: Desert field, Twentynine Palms, CA, USA. I found them in a field within 1 foot of the street as I walked along the curb.
2. Date of collection: 7/26/2019, between 7PM and 10PM.
3. Habitat of collection: They were found in a vacant piece of land in the desert along a wash. There was desert type of plants, in the vacant piece of land. The piece of land was a long thin strip that ran between the wash and a house. This is the same location I was quite successful on the 23rd. I returned because of the heavy rain 36 hours previous.
4. Length: 8mm to 9mm.
5. Coloration, hue, pattern and texture: She’s dark to the naked eye, but more of a caramel color with a dark cover on her back. Her mesosoma area is two toned because of this, reminding me of some Camponotus species. The head is tiny, and dwarfed by her large shoulders. She has golden (or yellow) antennae and sections on her legs. 6. Distinguishing characteristics: Appears to be only the petiole, possible the postpetiole is part of her gaster.
7. Anything else distinctive: small head, emphasized by the huge chamber for her wing muscles..
8. Nest description: Unknown
9. Nuptial flight time and date: 7-26, 8PM, they were caught in the act. Some were landing on me.