16 replies to this topic

[Luke_in_AZ]

1. Location of collection

               Ashton, Idaho. 

 

2. Date of collection

               7-22-2020

 

3. Habitat of collection

               Douglas fir forest, lodgepole pine.  Same as Yellowstone park.

 

4. Length

               About ½” or about 12mm

 

5. Coloration, hue, pattern and texture 

               The pictures are a little dark but the thorax is lighter than what the pics show.

 

6. Distinguishing characteristics

               The pictures are a little dark but the thorax is lighter than what the pics show.

 

9. Nuptial flight time and date

               I assume it was close to 7-22-2020 because it’s a queen

 

Attached Images

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[M_Ants]

My guess is parasitic formica.

[Antkid12]

Nice queen!

[NickAnter]

Looks a lot like F. ravida, but you can't tell for sure without high magnification.

[TennesseeAnts]

Looks like Formica rufa-group. 

[Luke_in_AZ]

Looks a lot like F. ravida, but you can't tell for sure without high magnification.

Thanks to everyone for your help! I'll get some higher magnification pics and post

[AntsBC]

The lack of a clypeal notch indicates that this specimen is indeed a member of the Formica rufa group.  In regards to the exact species, she is likely either F. integra or F. ravida.  From a glance, I would say F. ravida is more probable.  The two species can be separated as F. ravida has a few, very fine hairs protruding from the compound eyes while F. integra does not.  Unfortunately, this characteristic may be hard to make out without a very good camera; we'll have to cross that road when we get there.  That being said, could you get some clear photos of the specimen's legs, specifically of the tibiae?

 

Make sure you feed the queen before offering her pupae and/or hosts.  Due to the low success rate of social parasitism, parasitic Formica colonies focus on quantity instead of quality when producing alates.  As a result, the parasitic alates are malnourished inside of their mother colonies.

[Luke_in_AZ]

The lack of a clypeal notch indicates that this specimen is indeed a member of the Formica rufa group.  In regards to the exact species, she is likely either F. integra or F. ravida.  From a glance, I would say F. ravida is more probable.  The two species can be separated as F. ravida has a few, very fine hairs protruding from the compound eyes while F. integra does not.  Unfortunately, this characteristic may be hard to make out without a very good camera; we'll have to cross that road when we get there.  That being said, could you get some clear photos of the specimen's legs, specifically of the tibiae?
 
Make sure you feed the queen before offering her pupae and/or hosts.  Due to the low success rate of social parasitism, parasitic Formica colonies focus on quantity instead of quality when producing alates.  As a result, the parasitic alates are malnourished inside of their mother colonies.

Great info! I will get some better pics with a 10x and 21x lens.. Will Camponotus pupae be acceptable to offer? Any suggestions on good reads on how to go about that successfully?

Thanks again!

[Froggy]

I didn't know we had Formica in Phoenix

[Luke_in_AZ]

Found this Queen in good old Idaho

[RushmoreAnts]

Looks like Formica rufa-group. 

I second this.

[Kaelwizard]

Do you plan on bringing it to AZ, cuz that is illegal. (I mean I doubt anyone would really care, but idk if someone on the forum would report you)

[Manitobant]

I mean, this particular species is probably native to arizona as well

Edited by Manitobant, July 24 2020 - 11:05 AM.

[Kaelwizard]

I mean, this particular species is probably native to arizona as well

That’s still illegal in the U.S.

[Luke_in_AZ]

This ant will stay in Idaho with family hobbyist.

[Froggy]

Found this Queen in good old Idaho

Didn't read the post. rip

[Kaelwizard]

This ant will stay in Idaho with family hobbyist.

Alright, good.