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Lutz, Florida 10/02/2019 - Trap-jaw Ant? (Odontomachus brunneus)

Started By MrKotter , Oct 2 2019 10:30 AM

Best Answer Aaron567 , October 2 2019 - 1:17 PM

These are Odontomachus ruginodis, an exotic species from the Caribbean. O. brunneus are uniformly black and slightly larger.

They are very well established both urban and undisturbed habitats in the peninsula and mostly replace brunneus populations by having larger colonies and a more aggressive attitude.

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#1 Offline MrKotter - Posted October 2 2019 - 10:30 AM

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LocationLutz, FL - USA

Can anyone confirm identification? I was cleaning brush and disturbed the nest so grabbed a tube and capture a few workers carrying brood. I thought they were Camponotus until I got a closer look. I think they are Florida Trap Jaw ants (Odontomachus brunneus). I don't know how rare they are, but they sure are cool. I'll have my eye out for a queen when nuptial flights start.

Video with brood: https://www.youtube....h?v=s8xrJmWbuZU

Pictures: https://imgur.com/a/WyYPkuO?

DETAILS:

Location: Lutz, Florida (North side of Tampa Bay area), USA
Date: October 2nd, 2019
Habitat: Base of Oak Tree, under brush and in a hollowed out part of tree
Lenth: 6-7mm
Color: Dark reddish-brown, head slightly lighter than body
Distinguishing Characteristics: Crazy long mandibles

#2 Offline Aaron567 - Posted October 2 2019 - 1:17 PM Best Answer

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LocationPensacola, FL

These are Odontomachus ruginodis, an exotic species from the Caribbean. O. brunneus are uniformly black and slightly larger.

They are very well established both urban and undisturbed habitats in the peninsula and mostly replace brunneus populations by having larger colonies and a more aggressive attitude.

TennesseeAnts and MrKotter like this

#3 Offline MrKotter - Posted October 3 2019 - 12:07 PM

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34 posts

LocationLutz, FL - USA

These are Odontomachus ruginodis, an exotic species from the Caribbean. O. brunneus are uniformly black and slightly larger.

They are very well established both urban and undisturbed habitats in the peninsula and mostly replace brunneus populations by having larger colonies and a more aggressive attitude.

Thanks, Aaron567 - Looked at a number of pictures and it feels right to me to. Odd how different pictures of the same ant can vary. Its great to have people like you in the community that are willing to help out.