5 replies to this topic

[drawpositive]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Newark, Delaware

2. Date of collection: Sept. 14 2021
3. Habitat of collection: backyard on the grill, open field and forest nearby
4. Length (from head to gaster): .....
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: brownish with lighter legs
6. Distinguishing characteristics: long "stretched out" appearance; head is elongated, thorax and abdomen elongated, large antenna with engorged ends
7. Distinguishing behavior: doesn't listen, just "waits to talk"
8. Nest description: N/A
9. Nuptial flight time and date: found 6:30pm

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[PetsNotPests]

Looks like Ponera pennsylvanica.

[Kaelwizard]

I think it’s Ponera.

[Aaron567]

The petiole is suspiciously thin and tapering; I'm leaning towards Hypoponera opacior on this one. Not recorded from Delaware but is found in some surrounding states so it wouldn't be a surprise to find them there.

 

In this case size would also help reinforce an ID. H. opacior queens are around 3-3.5 mm in length while Ponera pennsylvanica queens are quite a bit larger.

Edited by Aaron567, September 14 2021 - 7:39 PM.

[drawpositive]

Measuring from tip of the head (not counting the antennae) to the tip of the abdomen, she is 4 mm.  What is your ruling now, oh wise ant morphologists?

Edited by drawpositive, September 22 2021 - 2:28 PM.

[PetsNotPests]

Measuring from tip of the head (not counting the antennae) to the tip of the abdomen, she is 4 mm.  What is your ruling now, oh wise ant morphologists?

I'm quite sure she's Ponera pennsylvanica. H. opacior have a rather blunt petiole, where as this queen has a sharper, more angled one. Not to mention her size; Like Aaron567 pointed out, H. opacior queens are within the 3-3.5mm range, where as this queen is around 4mm, according to drawpositive.