2 replies to this topic

[Gregory2455]

1. Location of collection: Simi Valley, CA
2. Date of collection: February 21, 2015 (2/21/15)
3. Habitat of collection: Foothills.
4. Length (from head to gaster): 8mm.
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Black.
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Myrmecocystus cf. creightoni.

 

[dspdrew]

I don't think you can see the difference between M. yuma and M. creightoni in either of our pictures. Maybe Antweb's pictures because they are such high resolution. I was able to tell the difference (I think anyway) while looking at the actual specimen under the microscope. One of the differences between the two, is that M. creightoni has no fully erect hairs on the dorsum of propodeum, and no more than two on the pronotum and mesonotum (pretty much the entire top of the thorax).

 

Then there is the mating flight dates. M. creightoni flies in early spring, and (if my ID is correct) M. yuma flies in late summer.

[Gregory2455]

I don't think you can see the difference between M. yuma and M. creightoni in either of our pictures. Maybe Antweb's pictures because they are such high resolution. I was able to tell the difference (I think anyway) while looking at the actual specimen under the microscope. One of the differences between the two, is that M. creightoni has no fully erect hairs on the dorsum of propodeum, and no more than two on the pronotum and mesonotum (pretty much the entire top of the thorax).

 

Then there is the mating flight dates. M. creightoni flies in early spring, and (if my ID is correct) M. yuma flies in late summer.

I will stick with M.creightoni then over M.yuma.

Edited by Gregory2455, July 13 2015 - 2:27 PM.