13 replies to this topic

[Queen]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: 

So Cal

 

2. Date of collection: 

Did not collect, only observed

3. Habitat of collection: 

In a public park where there are dirt/grass/trees. Closest biome would be Chaparral or Shrubland  

 

4. Length (from head to gaster):

Approx 0.75 inches

 

5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: 

Red. Some have red body and black gasters

 

6. Distinguishing characteristics: 

Not observed

 

7. Distinguishing behavior:

Seem to dig a lot

 

8. Nest description:

Nest is in a dirt area, the entrance is surrounded by dry dirt (sand?) hill. 

 

9. Nuptial flight time and date:

Not observed

 

 

Assumed it's Harvester Ants because it took all the seeds I fed it. However, not sure what species of Harvester it is.

 

[Queen]

Edit: I don't think picture attached in original post.

Attached Images

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[DDD101DDD]

It looks like a Pogonomyrmex species.

[Devi]

Looks like Pogonomyrmex to me...

As for further identification, you would need a microscope.  It is almost impossible to note the differences with the naked eye...

Edited by Devi, October 12 2020 - 10:11 AM.

[KitsAntVa]

its most definitely pogonomyrmex but it literally could be argued that its 15 different species just from that picture but a queen would help to identify.

[Queen]

Thanks all!!!

[B_rad0806]

Pogonomyrmex californicus most likely 

[KitsAntVa]

Pogonomyrmex californicus most likely 

I agree because of the light color but there is a ton other types it could be.

[Queen]

Pogonomyrmex californicus most likely 

 

But the workers look so much bigger than the Pogonomyrmex californicus I see in test tubes!

[Devi]

 

Pogonomyrmex californicus most likely 

 

But the workers look so much bigger than the Pogonomyrmex californicus I see in test tubes!

 

The Pogonomyrmex in the test tubes could be first generation nanitics.  The nanitics of a colony are always much smaller than regular workers.

[gcsnelling]

Where in southern Calif.? In southern California there are only a couple of red species it could be.

[Queen]

Where in southern Calif.? In southern California there are only a couple of red species it could be.

 

Orange County

[gcsnelling]

Then this is indeed most likely P. californicus, the other option is P. subnitidus which tends to me a more mountainous living species .

[RushmoreAnts]

I agree with cf. californicus.