12 replies to this topic

[justanotheramy]

My daughter (7) spotted this big ant when we were arguing about bedtime.
I thought she was inventing delays, but she insisted on waiting it out and…



…successful capture!

She (the ant) is in a test tube inside red perspex, and is cotton-pulling energetically.
Any ideas what she might be from the terrible photo, and what she needs from us?

Should I rush out and buy her a formicarium? Or wait and see?

[EthanNgo678]

That is a Camponotus major, not a queen. But at least you know they are in your area.

[TheMicroPlanet]

Not a queen, but a great find nonetheless! Majors are always cool.

[justanotheramy]

She will be so disappointed — she's convinced she can see wing scars, although personally I can't.

 



Thanks for the info.
Off  to break the news…
 

[justanotheramy]

Anyone have any pics of what this worker's queen would look like?

[RushmoreAnts]

Not sure if this is your species, but Camponotus consobrinus is native and common to Australia nonetheless:

 

[ponerinecat]

This does appear to be conso. Your daughter is likely seeing the grooves separating the different sections of the thorax and mistaking them for wing scars.

[RushmoreAnts]

This does appear to be conso. Your daughter is likely seeing the grooves separating the different sections of the thorax and mistaking them for wing scars.

Any Camponotus should be close enough for her daughter to compare to a major.

[Thunder_Birds]

Not a queen, but a great find nonetheless! Majors are always cool.

Yes. And, sometimes cooler than finding a queen. Their big heads are pretty sweet

[RushmoreAnts]

Well, I'd still rather have a queen............

[TheMicroPlanet]

Well, I'd still rather have a queen............

You could catch a Carebara queen and have both!

[RushmoreAnts]

I wish......

[Manitobant]

Sadly nuptial season is almost over in your area, but you can still find foraging myrmecia. Camponotus will probably have to wait til next year.