4 replies to this topic

[RushmoreAnts]

So, I recently received a Formica sp. queen from Ants_Dakota, who was recently in the Black Hills. He first thought it to be a social parasite, yet to me she looks similar to pallidefulva. Just thought I'd get a second opinion:

 

1. Location of collection: near Custer State Park, Black Hills, South Dakota

2. Today's date: 6/9/20

 

1. Location of collection: near Custer State Park, Black Hills, South Dakota

2. Date of collection: irrelevant, collected under a rock out of nuptial flight season

3. Habitat of collection: forested area

4. Length: just barely short of 10 mm

5. Coloration, hue, pattern and texture: Shiny orange head and thorax, black wing scars, shiny black gaster

6. Distinguishing characteristics: Lots of pubescence near the back of gaster

7. Anything else distinctive:  Was holding an egg in her mouth at one point 

8. Nest description: N/A

9. Nuptial flight time and date: N/A

10.

[TennesseeAnts]

Looks like Formica incerta.

[Amazant]

To me it looks like Formica Pallidefulva or Formica incerta. That also does not seem like a social parasite because it doesn’t have the body shape of one and it already has eggs.

[RushmoreAnts]

Yeah, I always thought the thorax was way too large to be a parasite. Also didn’t think parasites were that orange.

[TennesseeAnts]

Yeah, I always thought the thorax was way too large to be a parasite. Also didn’t think parasites were that orange.

The thorax doesn't mean a whole lot in Formica parasites. You'll have to look at the gaster and head for the most part. 

 

Here's a key to the New England Formica: https://www.antwiki....England_Formica