35 replies to this topic

[Patorikku]

**I have updated the post with a clearer, closer image.

I was shocked to find one of these ladies crawling on my bed and another on my wall a few minutes later. I apologize for the quality of the pictures, but this was the best I could currently do. Could someone please help me identify them?

1. Location: Northeastern Mississippi
2. Date of collection: 05/03/2020
3. Habitat of collection: found in house
4. Length: 5mm/.5cm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Black


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Edited by Patorikku, May 3 2020 - 5:05 PM.

[B_rad0806]

I can't see the ants

[Patorikku]

I can't see the ants

They are in the top of the test tube.


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[Zeiss]

Those pictures are not able to be used for an ID.

[Patorikku]

Those pictures are not able to be used for an ID.

I did say in my post that the images weren’t too good, but I did give some details about them and I’ve already gotten a a few suggestions form other sources that all identify them as Lasius Niger.


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[TheMicroPlanet]

How wide is the test tube? (in mm, if you can)

Edited by TheMicroPlanet, May 3 2020 - 1:00 PM.

[Patorikku]

How wide is the test tube? (in mm, if you can)

I can’t measure it at this very moment, but I have no intention of leaving them in one this size. It’s the container of a cheap bird feeder from Walmart, lol. I am ordering more actual test tubes from AntsCanada later today.


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[Zeiss]

 I did say in my post that the images weren’t too good, but I did give some details about them and I’ve already gotten a a few suggestions form other sources that all identify them as Lasius Niger.

I wouldn't trust an ID from just that photo or the details you gave.  They are very vague and can describe a multitude of ants.

[TheMicroPlanet]

 

How wide is the test tube? (in mm, if you can)

I can’t measure it at this very moment, but I have no intention of leaving them in one this size. It’s the container of a cheap bird feeder from Walmart, lol. I am ordering more actual test tubes from AntsCanada later today.


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I just want to know how wide it is so I can compare to the size of the ants and at least know how big they are.

[Manitobant]

Looks like tapinoma sessile to me. Highly polygynous species though are escape artists.

[TheMicroPlanet]

Looks like tapinoma sessile to me. Highly polygynous species though are escape artists.

How can you tell from the picture?

[Patorikku]

How wide is the test tube? (in mm, if you can)

I can’t measure it at this very moment, but I have no intention of leaving them in one this size. It’s the container of a cheap bird feeder from Walmart, lol. I am ordering more actual test tubes from AntsCanada later today.


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I just want to know how wide it is so I can compare to the size of the ants and at least know how big they are.

I included the size in my post. They are 5mm or .5cm.


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[TennesseeAnts]

Could be Tapinoma sessile.

[TheMicroPlanet]

That rules out Camponotus, i guess.

[Manitobant]

Looks like tapinoma sessile to me. Highly polygynous species though are escape artists.

How can you tell from the picture?

because the size matches, tapinoma are currently flying and if you zoom in on the head you can clearly see that its dolichoderine.

[Patorikku]

I can't see the ants

I have updated the post with a new, clearer image.


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[TheMicroPlanet]

[Deleted]

Edited by TheMicroPlanet, May 3 2020 - 5:17 PM.

[Mdrogun]

 

Those pictures are not able to be used for an ID.

I’ve already gotten a a few suggestions form other sources that all identify them as Lasius Niger.

Lasius niger is a European species, although they are introduced to North America, I doubt they are in your locality. Also, the queens of Lasius niger are easily twice the size of the ants you posted photos of. I would question why your other sources would ID them as such.

 

The ant in the updated, clearer image is a Tapinoma sessile male, and not a queen. Sorry

[Patorikku]

Those pictures are not able to be used for an ID.

I’ve already gotten a a few suggestions form other sources that all identify them as Lasius Niger.

Lasius niger is a European species, although they are introduced to North America, I doubt they are in your locality. Also, the queens of Lasius niger are easily twice the size of the ants you posted photos of. I would question why your other sources would ID them as such.

The ant in the updated, clearer image is a Tapinoma sessile male, and not a queen. Sorry

Well, if that’s the case, I will release them so they can do the do. If anything, that means I can probably step outside and find some queens. I have a black light that help me control these two for the better images, so maybe it’ll attract some new queens outside. Thanks.


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[gcsnelling]

Males.