29 replies to this topic

[MinigunL5]

I may be a noob when it comes to anting but I'm pretty sure this is some sort of Camponotus queen. I'm thinking Camponotus Pennsylvanicus. 

I'm still a noob though so here is the info about it:

 

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Near Worcester MA
2. Date of collection: May 23rd
3. Habitat of collection: Under a rock in my yard(I've found both my queens with 3 meters of each other. I've found most ants there in a big pile of rocks)
4. Length (from head to gaster): 1cm to 1.2cm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Shiny gastor with stripes
6. Distinguishing characteristics:  It has wing scars
7. Distinguishing behavior: N/A
8. Nest description: N/A

9. Nuptial flight time and date: idk prob yesterday may 22nd but idk since it hasn't rained for a bit

 

Pictures:https://imgur.com/gallery/Fim8KGa

 

I put some stuff for her to sit on-top of in a bowl of water. You can also compare her size to the penny.

She is now in a test tube set up wrapped in foil and some cloth. This is gonna be my first legit non-parasitic queen!

It would be funny if this isn't a Campononotus sp. XD

I wanted a tetramorium queen but this'll do

Thanks you to all that reply!

[Antkid12]

looks like a formica queen from the fusca group. possibly Formica argentea or  subsericea Nice catch! 

Edited by Antkid12, May 23 2020 - 1:15 PM.

[MinigunL5]

looks like a formica queen from the fusca group. Nice catch! 

   Lol of course I'm wrong. I did have a small suspicion that it might be a formica queen. Thx for the ID though. Also what's the fusca group?

Edited by MinigunL5, May 23 2020 - 1:15 PM.

[Zeiss]

Please try to embed your images to your posts.  You can embed directly with a URL or uploading them to the forum.  I'm not sure if it works with multiple images on one link, though.  It does look like Formica sp.to me.

[MinigunL5]

Please try to embed your images to your posts.  You can embed directly with a URL or uploading them to the forum.  I'm not sure if it works with multiple images on one link, though.  It does look like Formica sp.to me.

I personally think its easier to just have a link.

[Zeiss]

I personally think its easier to just have a link.

Problem with just using the link is that some people don't trust them.  Just putting the images in helps us help you a lot easier.  Plus, pictures make posts better.  Just seeing a bunch of links is kind of ugly.

 

It is very easy to just leave a link.

[MinigunL5]

 

I personally think its easier to just have a link.

Problem with just using the link is that some people don't trust them.  Just putting the images in helps us help you a lot easier.  Plus, pictures make posts better.  Just seeing a bunch of links is kind of ugly.

 

It is very easy to just leave a link.

Oh, maybe I will try it net time.

But, what species is it. I can give you more photos if you'd like.

Edited by MinigunL5, May 23 2020 - 1:33 PM.

[Antkid12]

 

 

I personally think its easier to just have a link.

Problem with just using the link is that some people don't trust them.  Just putting the images in helps us help you a lot easier.  Plus, pictures make posts better.  Just seeing a bunch of links is kind of ugly.

 

It is very easy to just leave a link.

Oh, maybe I will try it net time.

But, what species is it. I can give you more photos if you'd like.

 

I think its Formica subsericea

[Nare]

 

 

I personally think its easier to just have a link.

Problem with just using the link is that some people don't trust them.  Just putting the images in helps us help you a lot easier.  Plus, pictures make posts better.  Just seeing a bunch of links is kind of ugly.

 

It is very easy to just leave a link.

Oh, maybe I will try it net time.

But, what species is it. I can give you more photos if you'd like.

 

Can't really determine the exact species without clear macro shots showing hairs and such. Formica fusca-group is a collection of species within the genus Formica that are closely related. Most people don't bother to go any further than that identification, as it requires detailed photos.

[MinigunL5]

 

 

 

I personally think its easier to just have a link.

Problem with just using the link is that some people don't trust them.  Just putting the images in helps us help you a lot easier.  Plus, pictures make posts better.  Just seeing a bunch of links is kind of ugly.

 

It is very easy to just leave a link.

Oh, maybe I will try it net time.

But, what species is it. I can give you more photos if you'd like.

 

Can't really determine the exact species without clear macro shots showing hairs and such. Formica fusca-group is a collection of species within the genus Formica that are closely related. Most people don't bother to go any further than that identification, as it requires detailed photos.

 

thx

Are Formica colonies slow to grow like some Camponotus? Also, do they spray formic acid?

Edited by MinigunL5, May 23 2020 - 1:44 PM.

[Antkid12]

 

 

 

 

I personally think its easier to just have a link.

Problem with just using the link is that some people don't trust them.  Just putting the images in helps us help you a lot easier.  Plus, pictures make posts better.  Just seeing a bunch of links is kind of ugly.

 

It is very easy to just leave a link.

Oh, maybe I will try it net time.

But, what species is it. I can give you more photos if you'd like.

 

Can't really determine the exact species without clear macro shots showing hairs and such. Formica fusca-group is a collection of species within the genus Formica that are closely related. Most people don't bother to go any further than that identification, as it requires detailed photos.

 

thx

Are Formica colonies slow to grow like some Camponotus? Also, do they spray formic acid?

 

yeah they spray formic acid and they seem to grow faster than camponotus from what I hear.

Edited by Antkid12, May 23 2020 - 1:46 PM.

[MinigunL5]

Ah thx

yeah they spray formic acid and they seem to grow faster than camponotus from what I hear.

 

I just did some research and I've read that they normally have their nuptial flights in july. Right now its may 

[ANTdrew]

They grow pretty fast, actually. This queen must have overwintered under that rock. She’ll probably be way more rewarding than a parasite queen.

[Nare]

They grow pretty fast, actually. This queen must have overwintered under that rock. She’ll probably be way more rewarding than a parasite queen.

Idk, successfully raising something like Formica ulkei would be pretty damn rewarding.

[MinigunL5]

 

They grow pretty fast, actually. This queen must have overwintered under that rock. She’ll probably be way more rewarding than a parasite queen.

Idk, successfully raising something like Formica ulkei would be pretty damn rewarding.

 

I have a Lasius Aphidicola queen. Also what's "overwintering"?

They grow pretty fast, actually. This queen must have overwintered under that rock. She’ll probably be way more rewarding than a parasite queen.

what's "overwintering"?

[Nare]

what's "overwintering"?

Means she flew last year and didn't have any workers then, so hibernated alone.

[MinigunL5]

 

what's "overwintering"?

Means she flew last year and didn't have any workers then, so hibernated alone.

 

So will that change anything about how I have to care for her? Is she still fully claustral? Is there a chance she already laid eggs?

[Ants_Dakota]

fusca is usually fully claustral. She may have eggs, but if it is subsericea, than it will lay eggs easily. I have a colony of subsericea right now. They laid eggs really easily.

[Nare]

 

 

what's "overwintering"?

Means she flew last year and didn't have any workers then, so hibernated alone.

 

So will that change anything about how I have to care for her? Is she still fully claustral? Is there a chance she already laid eggs?

 

Might want to offer her a tiny drop of sugar water.

[ANTdrew]

Nare, I was referring to his first queen, which was parasitic Lasius. I’m really not a fan of them, not going to lie.