9 replies to this topic

[BroJack]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Tucson, AZ, S Mission Rd.
2. Date of collection: 7-24-20
3. Habitat of collection: desert roadside
4. Length (from head to gaster): 10-11mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: red head and thorax, darker gaster
6. Distinguishing characteristics: 
7. Distinguishing behavior: these two were digging a hole together and I found another set together but most were digging solo.
8. Nest description: nuptial chamber just started, single small hole.

9. Nuptial flight time and date: morning after first real monsoon rains of the season 7-24-20

 

Questions:

ID?

fully claustral or semi?

Do you think I can keep these two together given the fact that they were digging together?

[Antkid12]

Pretty sure they are Myrmecocystus fully claustral and I'm pretty sure they are Pleometrotic.

Edited by Antkid12, July 24 2020 - 11:53 AM.

[TechAnt]

If their Myrmecoystus, YOU ARE SO LUCKYYYY!

They look fully claustral based on the bulky body size, I advise you split them up. Best of luck on them.

Edited by TechAnt, July 24 2020 - 11:56 AM.

[M_Ants]

LUCKY!!!!!!!!!

[Zeiss]

Myrmecocystus sp.  

 

Separate them as they will kill each other eventually.  They are fully claustral.

[ponerinecat]

Fully claus, like all Myrmecocystus, and don't try to pleo them, as Myrmecocystus tend to be sensitive overall. It's better to have a backup than put all your bets on a pleo group.

[Spazmops]

I just looked for myrmecocystus sp. for a week and found zilch, you are very lucky to have caught 2. Nice job!

[BroJack]

I have 6 of these so far and if you are in AZ, I am willing to trade for knowledge and coaching. I've been doing this seriously for 3 years and am still very much a beginner. I have only had my own success with Camponotus so far.

[RushmoreAnts]

I have 6 of these so far and if you are in AZ, I am willing to trade for knowledge and coaching. I've been doing this seriously for 3 years and am still very much a beginner. I have only had my own success with Camponotus so far.

I believe he is in CA, unfortunately.

[Spazmops]

I have 6 of these so far and if you are in AZ, I am willing to trade for knowledge and coaching. I've been doing this seriously for 3 years and am still very much a beginner. I have only had my own success with Camponotus so far.

I believe he is in CA, unfortunately.

Colorado actually, we have Myrmecocystus mexicanus in the southern parts. It’s still unfortunate though, they’re such cool ants.