4 replies to this topic

[Russoft]

Okay, I caught one of these last summer (died after many months of not producing a brood). This summer we have caught ("we" because it's a family affair) seven of these fast moving, never stopping, queen ants. First was in the last week of June, and last was just two days ago (caught three in an hour!). They all measure right around 10 mm (3/8"). Single petiole. All found scurrying across concrete or asphalt in the suburbs of a major metro area. They seem pretty schizo and run around their tubes like crazy any time they're disturbed. I've never seen them try to hide under stuff, but they run. They readily climb surfaces. Very different behavior to both Camponotus Pennsylvanicus and Tetramorium Immigrans queens which I've positively identified. 

 

I've been told it's probably Formica, species could be: pallidefulva or neogagates groups. Looking for a bit of confirmation on this.

 

I've heard Formica spray acid, so I try to leave them alone in their founding stage. Most have eggs at this point.

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[Artisan_Ants]

This species of this queen is one in the Formica Pallidefulva-group, most likely F. palllidefulva itself. Note that the higher north this species occurs, the darker its overall color and vise versa for south as they become brighter in color. I keep two colonies of this species myself and this one queen looks a lot like the body shape of the queens except the opposite color I keep. Down south in PA, they are a bright sun-orange with hints of red (primarily seen on the thorax or mesosoma). You can see the same thing on this queen as well, with a brighter mesosoma than the rest of the body color). The queens in colonies I have are also about 10 mm when physogastric but 8 mm on average. Flight period is practically the same thing as I found my queens in mid to late July with one walking around on a road and another in a F. fusca mound (no clue what it was doing there). All in all, I feel like F. pallidefulva is the best way to go here. Good luck! (this species is very fun to keep!)

[Russoft]

Thanks! I've ruled out species while trying to ID ants based on coloration but based on what you've said, I'm beginning to understand that, much like humans, these guys come in a range of pigmentations! I'll start learning more about this particular species

[Artisan_Ants]

Thanks! I've ruled out species while trying to ID ants based on coloration but based on what you've said, I'm beginning to understand that, much like humans, these guys come in a range of pigmentations! I'll start learning more about this particular species

Feel free to ask anytime. I’ve keeping these guys for a while now and know a whole lot about them. For one, they are an extremely hardy and fast species which make them fun to keep. Once again, Good luck!

[Stubyvast]

Haha woulda though formica pacifica, as they fly around my area in July, and look almost exactly like that. However, after considering your location, I suspect you are most likely correct, and that it is indeed a f. pallidefulva. Very interesting!