8 replies to this topic

[Maculata]

Unknown #3 - Pheidole sp. perhaps fallax group

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Tucson, AZ, southern foothills of Santa Catalina Mountains
2. Date of collection: Aug 11, 2019, Day aftervery heavy rain
3. Habitat of collection: Sonoran Desert, 2400ft, foothills of Santa Catalina Mountains, mesquite trees and cactus
4. Length (from head to gaster): Queen 8 mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: See pictures
6. Distinguishing characteristics:  With many mites
7. Distinguishing behavior:  Very calm
8. Nest description:

Album: Tucson, AZ Pheidole sp., Aug 2019

20 images

0 comments

Edited by Maculata, September 1 2019 - 10:59 PM.

[AntsBC]

Pheidole sp. 

 

There is a absolute ton of Pheidole species native to Arizona, so unfortunately I'm not going to be able to narrow it down to the species. Maybe someone from down south will be able to though.

Edited by AntsBC, August 11 2019 - 7:29 PM.

[PacificNorthWestern]

yea, the queen has a lot of mites on it

[Maculata]

This was the only queen of this species.  Is it worth keeping with the mites?

Can mites transfer from cotton blocked test tube to test tube?

Any guess as to the type or mite?  They are looking more like passengers that being harmful...

 

[ponerinecat]

This was the only queen of this species.  Is it worth keeping with the mites?

Can mites transfer from cotton blocked test tube to test tube?

Any guess as to the type or mite?  They are looking more like passengers that being harmful...

They will likely stay on the queen. You should keep her, beautiful colors.

[Maculata]

Now with eggs

 

[TennesseeAnts]

I second Pheidole.

[Maculata]

The nanitics arrive....  Collected August 11, nanitics August 31.  Now feeding frozen thawed fruit flies.  

Edited by Maculata, September 1 2019 - 10:35 AM.

[NickAnter]

Well, they look to be from the fallax group.