14 replies to this topic

[toe_biter606]

Found in a suburban front yard in the Halton region on 17/08/2024. ~7mm, appears entirely black but petiole, legs (especially tarsi), and face are actually dark brown/reddish when viewed under bright light. Dorsal thorax and gaster with some sparse hair. Two small propodeal spines. Two petiole nodes. The last 3 antennal segments are clubbed. 

Sorry the photos aren't ideal, this ant had better things to do than pose for me.
Thank you!

[Ants_Dakota]

Crematogaster cerasi or lineolata

Edited by Ants_Dakota, August 17 2024 - 3:05 PM.

[cooIboyJ]

Those photos are actually really good.

Edited by cooIboyJ, August 17 2024 - 3:16 PM.

[toe_biter606]

 

Crematogaster cerasi or lineolata

Okay thank you, I might try to get a better look at the distinguishing features without stressing the queen too much

 

Those photos are actually really good.

Thanks

 

Edited by toe_biter606, August 17 2024 - 4:27 PM.

[Artisan_Ants]

Most likely C. cerasi. I honestly don't know many distinguishing factors for both species (especially in the queens) but I do know the flight time for mainly C. cerasi, which up in the north is around this time (the flights up in the north of the same species that I have in my area happen earlier than when they happen here in PA I've noticed). 

[toe_biter606]

That makes sense, thanks!! This is a bit off topic but what does the queen do until diapause time? There's still at least a month and a half until it would seem reasonable to hibernate (it's still 25 degrees Celsius here), but C. cerasi wait until spring to lay eggs?

Edited by toe_biter606, August 17 2024 - 5:26 PM.

[Artisan_Ants]

That makes sense, thanks!! This is a bit off topic but what does the queen do until diapause time? There's still at least a month and a half until it would seem reasonable to hibernate (it's still 25 degrees Celsius here), but C. cerasi wait until spring to lay eggs?

Yeah I used to have two colonies of C. cerasi (which I caught about a year ago in early November but sadly one has passed an another vanished ever since my vacation this year) which I hibernated late last year (since it was my first time) but I woke them in April of this year and they immediately started laying eggs the next day and raised workers in June I believe. She may start laying soon after collection (before hibernation) like what one of my queens did, but if this happens, the eggs (most likely being trophic) will be eaten by the queen upon hibernation (from my experience). 

[ANTdrew]

You’ll need a microscope to differentiate cerasi from lineolata. Lineolata have many erect hairs on the upper thorax, but cerasi have one or two erect hairs at each corner of the upper thorax.

[toe_biter606]

You’ll need a microscope to differentiate cerasi from lineolata. Lineolata have many erect hairs on the upper thorax, but cerasi have one or two erect hairs at each corner of the upper thorax.

Is it worth stressing the queen to do that? Or is the care for each species similar enough I can just follow guides for C. cerasi (since there's not as much out there on C. lineolata)?

Edit: Oops, just read that the care differences are negligible on Canada Ant Colony's website

Edited by toe_biter606, August 17 2024 - 6:39 PM.

[Mettcollsuss]

In addition to the differences in hair mentioned above, lineolata average smaller than cerasi, lineolata are polygynous while cerasi are monogynous, and lineolata workers are typically concolorous black or dark brown while cerasi is often slightly bicolored and reddish. It's worth noting, however, that the difference in hair that ANTdrew mentioned is only present in workers, not queens. Up north, cerasi is significantly more common than lineolata, though I would still check the hairs of the workers to be sure.

Edited by Mettcollsuss, August 18 2024 - 11:42 AM.

[mbullock42086]

lineolata is arboreal, cerasi is terrestrial, you could probably use that to distinguish them, try offering her some kind of hardwood chunk- if she's stuck to it like a magnet that should be a good indicator.

 if it refuses to burrow and stays by the top it's probably lineolata

[Mettcollsuss]

I have found both species nesting in wood and both species nesting in the ground under logs, I don't think that behavior would be a reliable indicator.

[mbullock42086]

I have found both species nesting in wood and both species nesting in the ground under logs, I don't think that behavior would be a reliable indicator.

you misunderstood.  read my comment again.  I wasnt saying cerasi doesnt nest in wood, I'm saying lineolata is more likely to nest in an upright tree arboreally- particularly with the clinging to the top of the enclosure bit.


   I've noted this with all arboreal ants they always cling below the lid until i give them wood.

  

[OwlThatLikesAnts]

 

I have found both species nesting in wood and both species nesting in the ground under logs, I don't think that behavior would be a reliable indicator.

you misunderstood.  read my comment again.  I wasnt saying cerasi doesnt nest in wood, I'm saying lineolata is more likely to nest in an upright tree arboreally- particularly with the clinging to the top of the enclosure bit.


   I've noted this with all arboreal ants they always cling below the lid until i give them wood.

  

 

I have seen Camponotus reject wood all the time, and I see crematogasters nest in cracks between stones and rocks more than anything

[Artisan_Ants]

I have found both species nesting in wood and both species nesting in the ground under logs, I don't think that behavior would be a reliable indicator.

you misunderstood.  read my comment again.  I wasnt saying cerasi doesnt nest in wood, I'm saying lineolata is more likely to nest in an upright tree arboreally- particularly with the clinging to the top of the enclosure bit.
   I've noted this with all arboreal ants they always cling below the lid until i give them wood.

I have seen Camponotus reject wood all the time, and I see crematogasters nest in cracks between stones and rocks more than anything

It really depends on the habitat they are found in. If found in suburban habitat, it is more likely they will nest in rocks or under rocks and bricks other than in wood and on trees. If found in forests on the other hand, it is more likely they will nest in wood as it is highly abundant a there are more places to hide than in a rock in the forest. Their decisions are not only affected about their habitat, but also from other things like humidity and temperature. For example, a rock is good at absorbing and maintaining heat, but not as good with humidity, whereas wood is good with humidity but not as good as with heat.