10 replies to this topic

[Vodach]

I'm so happy that i found my first queen!! Here is details:
. Location (on a map) of collection:Pavement
2. Date of collection:29 May 2020
3. Habitat of collection: Only ants..
4. Length (from head to gaster):
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture:Head was reddish , middle was black and his back was reddish again
6. Distinguishing characteristics:very chill
7. Distinguishing behavior:chill again
8. Nest description: pavement..

9. Nuptial flight time and date:29 May 2020

Attached Images

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[FSTP]

I can barely see the ant but it looks like it may just be a worker

[Antkid12]

Yes, sadly it is a Formica worker. 

[ANTdrew]

Try photos in a clear container.

[Broncos]

Sorry but that is a Formica worker

[TheMicroPlanet]

Unfortunately not a queen, but her colony is likely nearby! You should keep an eye out. A few Formica species should be flying very soon in your area.

 

For help identifying a queen, here's a comparison:

This is a typical Formica queen (colors and size may vary!)

 

Here is a typical Formica worker (again, colors and size may vary between species)...

 

Notice the size of the mesosoma (the middle part) of the queen compared to that of the worker; the queen has a much larger mesosoma to accomodate her wing muscles. Speaking of wings, make sure to check the mesosoma for wing scars, the scars left over from where the queen tore her wings off. If you find a suspected queen that does have wings, make sure to distinguish her from a male; you can do this by looking at the head. Male heads are much smaller than female heads, and males are normally smaller. And, of course, queens will be much larger than their workers.

 

Here are a few helpful videos:

https://www.youtube....h?v=T3Kd8IqAiRI

https://www.youtube....9BLdgoBY&t=397s

 

Hope you found this helpful!

[Vodach]

I can Clearly see now that it's a worker. Thank you so much!

Unfortunately not a queen, but her colony is likely nearby! You should keep an eye out. A few Formica species should be flying very soon in your area.
 
For help identifying a queen, here's a comparison:
This is a typical Formica queen (colors and size may vary!)

 
Here is a typical Formica worker (again, colors and size may vary between species)...

 
Notice the size of the mesosoma (the middle part) of the queen compared to that of the worker; the queen has a much larger mesosoma to accomodate her wing muscles. Speaking of wings, make sure to check the mesosoma for wing scars, the scars left over from where the queen tore her wings off. If you find a suspected queen that does have wings, make sure to distinguish her from a male; you can do this by looking at the head. Male heads are much smaller than female heads, and males are normally smaller. And, of course, queens will be much larger than their workers.
 
Here are a few helpful videos:


 
Hope you found this helpful!

[TheMicroPlanet]

No problem! I didn't feel good just writing "This is a worker, not a queen", so I decided to do a little extra. Like I said before though, keep on the lookout for queens! I usually carry a few plastic snapcap viles to put queens in just in case. Other people use test tubes, but make sure you're prepared when outside; you never know when you'll find a queen!

[RushmoreAnts]

I do believe it is a little early for Formica flights, if Turkey’s nuptial flight schedule is anything like ours.

[FSTP]

 I usually carry a few plastic snapcap viles to put queens in just in case. Other people use test tubes, but make sure you're prepared when outside; you never know when you'll find a queen!

 

 

I do this as well I always keep at least one catch cap on me at all times when I leave the house, its part of my "EDC" or everyday carry as it were. I've had queens pop up in the most unexpected of places. Like having lunch with a friend on the restaurants patio and having a queen land on my arm....

[jushi]

The photos are blurry, and the info is incomplete and hard to read. From what I can tell, that's a worker.