79 replies to this topic

[Antcatcherpro3]

Ok, she is about a quarter of an inch, maybe a little smaller. So like 6 millimeters or something like that.

 

 

And if they aren't bicarinata or pilifera, then what species are they.

We never doubted they were bicar or plifera, just that from the given pictures they are indistinguishable and therefore as you suggested, calling them pheidole sp. is appropriate atm. Now, if you have any way to take a better quality picture of the queen/major, we can give them a certain ID. These do look like bicarinata due to the majors profile, and the fact they were nesting under a rock (plifera tend make extremely deep nests) but again, no surefire way to ID from an orange blob. 

In addition to getting better pictures, queen size can also determine an ID. Bicar are much smaller/thinner (usually around 5-6ish mm), while pilifera are larger and bulkier (7ish mm, some of the big girls surpassing 8mm). The real difference between them is the width, 


(photo courtesy of Otter)

 

[MinigunL5]

 

Ok, she is about a quarter of an inch, maybe a little smaller. So like 6 millimeters or something like that.

 

 

And if they aren't bicarinata or pilifera, then what species are they.

We never doubted they were bicar or plifera, just that from the given pictures they are indistinguishable and therefore as you suggested, calling them pheidole sp. is appropriate atm. Now, if you have any way to take a better quality picture of the queen/major, we can give them a certain ID. These do look like bicarinata due to the majors profile, and the fact they were nesting under a rock (plifera tend make extremely deep nests) but again, no surefire way to ID from an orange blob. 

In addition to getting better pictures, queen size can also determine an ID. Bicar are much smaller/thinner (usually around 5-6ish mm), while pilifera are larger and bulkier (7ish mm, some of the big girls surpassing 8mm). The real difference between them is the width, 


(photo courtesy of Otter)

 

 

You need exact measurements  :l

[Kaelwizard]

 

 

 

I didn't look at pictures to decide the species. That's not all I do to ID ya know.

 

 

I did ID them. I am sure they are bicarinata.

May I ask exactly how? It would be a new state record if it is Pheidole bicarinata so I am curious how you came to the conclusion. It isn't simply looking at a picture of it on Google.

 

Edit: typo

 

 

I wasn't accusing you of anything. My point is that you can't claim to have found a new state record and not explain how you figured it out, which you still haven't. Do you know for sure that they aren't Pheidole pilifera? As Chickalo said, Pheidole bicarinata were only found indoors in MA as of now, so if they are in fact P. bicarinata, you might want to tell an entomologist.

 

From what you have said, it seems like the colony was established so I would think antmaps would have updated MA to say that they are now found outside as well.

 

An established population of P. bicarinata has already been found outside. P. davisi have also been found in MA.

 

Ah, so antmaps is not up to date.

[Antcatcherpro3]

6.33 mm

[MinigunL5]

 

An established population of P. bicarinata has already been found outside. P. davisi have also been found in MA.

Ah, so antmaps is not up to date.

Antmaps has always had errors. Figuring out what species is in every state isn't really a priority of most entomologists/myrmecologists.

[Chickalo]

I prefer keeping small colonies in small outworlds like I posted in my Monomorium floricola journal. The advantage is that you have full control and see at once where they are and if things go wrong (too many dead ants).

I'd advise against putting them into a large outworld and/or nest.

It's also like that old perspective trick where something small put into a small room will look bigger than the same small object in a large room.  Larger colonies always look cooler

[Antcatcherpro3]

They do..

 

 

I prefer keeping small colonies in small outworlds like I posted in my Monomorium floricola journal. The advantage is that you have full control and see at once where they are and if things go wrong (too many dead ants).

I'd advise against putting them into a large outworld and/or nest.

It's also like that old perspective trick where something small put into a small room will look bigger than the same small object in a large room.  Larger colonies always look cooler

 

[Antcatcherpro3]

The queen of this colony keeps laying..they have a LOT of eggs, and I am pretty sure small larvae now.

[Antkeeper014]

I didn't look at pictures to decide the species. That's not all I do to ID ya know.

I did ID them. I am sure they are bicarinata.

May I ask exactly how? It would be a new state record if it is Pheidole bicarinata so I am curious how you came to the conclusion. It isn't simply looking at a picture of it on Google.

Edit: typo

I wasn't accusing you of anything. My point is that you can't claim to have found a new state record and not explain how you figured it out, which you still haven't. Do you know for sure that they aren't Pheidole pilifera? As Chickalo said, Pheidole bicarinata were only found indoors in MA as of now, so if they are in fact P. bicarinata, you might want to tell an entomologist.

From what you have said, it seems like the colony was established so I would think antmaps would have updated MA to say that they are now found outside as well.

An established population of P. bicarinata has already been found outside. P. davisi have also been found in MA.

Just to clear things up, the bicarinata population found in Massachusetts was most likely greenhouse introduced. Otter mentioned they were more likely than not to have been introduced in the location he found them, since they were primarily in and around a greenhouse.

[Antcatcherpro3]

They are doing alright. They seem like a very healthy colony, and the queen has laid a ton of eggs.

[Antcatcherpro3]

My Pheidole have a bunch of larvae and eggs! I fed them some honey and will feed them some protein after I get some.

[ANTdrew]

Give them some ground up walnuts or chopped sesame seeds. They like all kinds of cooked meats and egg yolks, too.

[Antcatcherpro3]

Ok, I'll try walnuts. I also gave them a cricket leg and even saw them feed the queen.

[Antcatcherpro3]

This colony is doing good, they have lots of larvae and eggs, and the workers have been collecting food. I think it's time I give them an outworld.

[Antcatcherpro3]

hello again

[AntBoi3030]

Welcome back! How is this colony?

[Antkeeper014]

Have any recent pictures?

[Antkeeper01]

as they mentioned in their main journal this colony died

Edited by Antkeeper01, August 29 2021 - 5:50 PM.

[Antkeeper01]

ignore

Edited by Antkeeper01, August 29 2021 - 5:49 PM.

[AntBoi3030]

ignore

No