9 replies to this topic

[yaboiseth]

I know this a some sort of ponera, thinking hypoponera any help is appreciated!

 

1. Location of collection: Bakersfield CA

2. Date of collection: 06/25/21
3. Habitat of collection: Suburban Apartments
4. Length 4mm
5. Coloration, hue, pattern and texture: Dark black/brown with reddish brown legs and jaws
6. Distinguishing characteristics: 
7. Anything else distinctive
8. Nest description: Wandering under a brick in some moist dirt

9. Nuptial flight time and date: No visible nuptial flight

 

 

Edited by yaboiseth, June 26 2021 - 12:14 AM.

[yaboiseth]

Actually I just remembered an important detail. One of these has stung me and it wasn't anywhere near as bad as a bee sting so I think Brachyponera is off the list lol

[SYUTEO]

It could be Hypoponera opacior.

[NickAnter]

This is Hypoponera. We do not have any other Ponerines in California.

[yaboiseth]

This is Hypoponera. We do not have any other Ponerines in California.

Nice, thanks. I figured as much but I have had a few people tell me it was brachyponera but after the sting I was positive it wasnt. I have also caught one larger one a few months ago resembling a ponera pennyslvanica but died shortly.

[ponerinecat]

Hypoponera opaciceps, probably, unless this is an unusually dark punctatissima.

[yaboiseth]

Hypoponera opaciceps, probably, unless this is an unusually dark punctatissima.

I'm thinking possibly also opacior. Can punctatissima be this dark?

[AlexLebedev]

Hypoponera opacior probaly size?

[ponerinecat]

Opacior have a sloping petiole node which narrows near the top, both opaciceps and punctatissima have a boxy petiole node more or less uniform in width along the height. This ant appears to have the latter. And yes, punctatissima can be dark.

[yaboiseth]

Very good attention to detail! Didn't even know that difference!