5 replies to this topic

[SanDimasTom]

Hey guys new to ant keeping, or at least trying to get into it with my 5 yr old. We found a couple of reddish ant which looked like queens to us but we aren't sure. Any help is appreciated, info is below. Thanks! 

 We found them on a trail behind a park in San Dimas, CA which is in the foothill region of East LA County. We collected them on 06/2/20 which was a mostly sunny warm and slightly humid. The habitat is mostly chapparal / scrub and we found them along a trail. Both were alone wandering around alone. Maybe around 7/16 in. They are a reddish color with a black stripe around the abdomen. The thorax has a couple of dark marks which I hoped might be wing scars but I could be wrong. Fairly shiny, I believe I see two petiole nodes. No clue on how many segments on the clubs/antenae. 

Here's the exact location for reference:

34°07'40.2"N 117°48'01.4"W

 

 

Thanks again!

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[VoidElecent]

I believe this is Pogonomyrmex californicus.

[SanDimasTom]

I believe this is Pogonomyrmex californicus.

 

Thanks for the reply! Do you think its safe to say its a queen? 

[rcbuggy88]

It’s definitely a Queen, notice the wing scars and larger mesonoma/thorax/middle part. I think Pogonomyrmex are semi-claustral so you might need to buy some seed or find some.

[Manitobant]

It’s definitely a Queen, notice the wing scars and larger mesonoma/thorax/middle part. I think Pogonomyrmex are semi-claustral so you might need to buy some seed or find some.

californicus is semi claustral, though not all Pogonomyrmex are.

[rcbuggy88]

Cool noted. I have never kept this genus before so I was mostly just judging by gaster size and shape. I also googled it but was only semi conclusive.