16 replies to this topic

[Cblake113]

1. Location of collection: Hampton, Virginia

2. Date of collection: 3/14/2020

3. Habitat of collection: under dead tree bark in the middle of a mixed hard woods

4. Length (from head to gaster): about 3/8 inches

5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: color is a dark reddish brown. Has no pattern.

6. Distinguishing characteristics: I think it's a queen. It was the biggest of all the ants under the bark. It has 1 petiole node. And I think it has hairs on the abdomen, but if so they are really small.

7. Distinguishing behavior: none

8. Nest description: under bark of dead tree.

9. Nuptial flight time and date: none

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[Ferox_Formicae]

An Aphaenogaster species, either fulva or lamellidens. Workers would be needed to distinguish species.

[Cblake113]

Ok I have 1 worker. Let me try to get a picture of him. I'm having a hard time getting decent pics of these. Lol

[Cblake113]

These pics are the best I can get.

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[Martialis]

Sorry, but I doubt those are anywhere near close enough for species-level ID. It doesn’t matter, though. Care would be the same whichever species it is.

[Cblake113]

I will see if I can get better pictures tomorrow then. It's not about care for me. I'm interested in learning what species I find. I am new to this hobby and enjoy going out looking for them. I work at a park and am always looking to broaden my knowledge.

[Ferox_Formicae]

They're for sure Aphaenogaster lamellidens.

[Martialis]

What are you using for a camera? 

 

You might try changing the lighting (shining it down on the ants) and using some kind of HDR mode and zoom. I do the same for my ants.

 

 

They're for sure Aphaenogaster lamellidens.

 

Why do you say that? 

Edited by Martialis, March 14 2020 - 8:41 PM.

[Cblake113]

I'm using a Samsung Galaxy note 10+. The lighting in my house is not great, so I'm going to try natural lighting tomorrow.

[Martialis]

Try to get apicture from the side,

[gcsnelling]

Also a more neutral background would help. White causes real trouble for the camera.

[Cblake113]

I can't get any better pictures than these. I have tried multiple backgrounds in natural light. I even tried a magnifying glass like it said in the forum of how to take pictures.

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[Ferox_Formicae]

Lacking the pronounced mesonotal ridge seen in fulva, along with the black, strongly contrasting legs and sparsely-haired gaster.

[Manitobant]

Looks like aphaenogaster lamellidens to me.

[Martialis]

Agreed

[Cblake113]

Thank you all!!! I do appreciate the help!!!

[gcsnelling]

Background makes all the difference in the world. Much better.