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Northern Illinois 5/14/2022

Started By skink007 , May 14 2022 9:24 AM

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7 replies to this topic

#1 Offline skink007 - Posted May 14 2022 - 9:24 AM

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1. Location (on a map) of collection: Northern Illinois
2. Date of collection: 5/13/2022
3. Habitat of collection: Suburban backyard
4. Length (from head to gaster): 8-9 mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Black, deep red legs
6. Distinguishing characteristics:
7. Distinguishing behavior:
8. Nest description:

9. Nuptial flight time and date: 9:30pm found at blacklight on 5/13/2022

#2 Offline OiledOlives - Posted May 14 2022 - 9:36 AM

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LocationVirginia

Myrmentoma, either C. nearcticus or caryae. Leaning towards caryae based on the beard.

NickAnter, Somethinghmm and Antkeeper01 like this

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#3 Offline skink007 - Posted May 18 2022 - 1:37 PM

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Myrmentoma, either C. nearcticus or caryae. Leaning towards caryae based on the beard.

I didn't even notice the beard, amazing what you guys here can pick up on from amateur photos. I was inclined towards nearcticus, but now that you point that out....

#4 Offline OiledOlives - Posted May 18 2022 - 2:42 PM

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Nice find though, caryae are much less commonly found than nearcticus. I think I got one this year but it's infertile.

Youtube: Atlantic Ants - YouTube
Website: Ants for Sale - Atlantic Ants

#5 Offline James C. Trager - Posted May 22 2022 - 6:44 AM

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This is C. nearcticus. The second picture shows quite clearly one of the "clean-shaven cheeks" (malar area lacking erect setae). Don't confuse the erect hairs on the clypeus for a beard.

Edited by James C. Trager, May 22 2022 - 6:44 AM.

TennesseeAnts and lazyant like this

#6 Offline OiledOlives - Posted May 22 2022 - 8:24 AM

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Then I have never seen such a hairy C. nearcticus.

Major comparison between the two species:
C. caryae: https://www.antwiki....3652_head_1.jpg

C. nearcticus:

Edited by OiledOlives, May 22 2022 - 8:24 AM.

Youtube: Atlantic Ants - YouTube
Website: Ants for Sale - Atlantic Ants

#7 Offline NickAnter - Posted May 22 2022 - 10:17 AM

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LocationOrange County, California

I'm going to agree with Dr. Trager on this one, the cheeks most definitely seem clear of hair.

Hi there! I went on a 6 month or so hiatus, in part due, and in part cause of the death of my colonies.

However, I went back to the Sierras, and restarted my collection, which is now as follows:

Aphaenogaster uinta, Camponotus vicinus, Camponotus modoc, Formica cf. aserva, Formica cf. micropthalma, Formica cf. manni, Formica subpolita, Formica cf. subaenescens, Lasius americanus, Manica invidia, Pogonomyrmex salinus, Pogonomyrmex sp. 1, Solenopsis validiuscula, & Solenopsis sp. 3 (new Sierra variant).