38 replies to this topic

[IdioticMouse26]

Hello everyone! In this thread, I'm going to be posting different species of ants every weekdays. I'll write a short paragraph or two containing info about the ant of the day. And how to keep them as pets if I can find that information easily. I'll write stuff like: where they live, fun facts, and nuptial flight months. 

 

Feel free to suggest an ant species!

 

Ant of the day:  Polyrhachis lamellidens

 

(Credit: AntWiki)

 

Polyrhachis lamellidens are found in China, Korea, and Japan and are is a parasitic species that uses Camponotus japonicus as their hosts. The queens of this species hitchhike onto a C. japonicus workers to invade their nest (often, mutiple queens invades one nest). Then, the intruding queen kills the existing one and copies her pheromes, tricking the colony. 

The most notable features is the spines on their thorax. The purpose of this spines are thought to be protection against tree frogs. They are bad hunters, typcially choosing to scavenge rather than hunting. They have a late nuptial flight season, tending to fly from September-November. This is because they infiltrate their host's nest when they're about to enter hibernation.

Edited by IdioticMouse26, November 6 2024 - 3:38 AM.

[OwlThatLikesAnts]

wow, I never knew such level of parasites existed!

 

maybe you should do gesomyrmex howardi next of a species of oecophylla?

[IdioticMouse26]

Ant of the Day: Gesomyrmex howardi

 

 

(Queen of G. howardi, Credit: The Wild Martin)

 

Gesomyrmex howardi, otherwise known as Amber Javelin ants are quite rare and elusive. They only live in few parts of China and very few things are known about them. This poorly known aboreal species is considered one of the most primitive ant in the subfamily Formicinae. G. howardi are also extremely polymorphic. Having a diverse caste from worker to supersolider. They are a recluesive species; when confronted with danger, rather then rushing out to defend, the supersoliders block the entrances with their massive heads. According to data on iNaturalist, they are most active between March to May. So, one could make a educated guess and think they're nuptial flight season is somewhere between. 

 

Sources if you want to know more:

 

https://www.thewildm...s-ecology-guide

 

https://www.inatural...omyrmex-howardi

 

https://antwiki.org/...omyrmex_howardi

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

.Great Idea, Nothomyrmecia macrops is one species that I find most interesting.

[IdioticMouse26]

Ant of the Day:  Nothomyrmecia macrops

 

(A worker N. macrops. Credit: AntWiki)

 

Nothomyrmecia macrops is a extremely rare species of ants and it's the only species within it's genus. They are also quite an ancient species, as they only show rudimentary social behaviours. The colonies typically have 60-70 indivisuals; they are a very localized species, occupying only several hectares of Australia. Also, the species is noctournal, contributing to the rareness of these ants. N. macrops are considered critically endangered. 

The ants forage alone, usually in tree canopies. Unlike many ants, N. macrops are not hostile to foregin colonies of the same species. They are largely non-hostile even to danger. The queens, during their founding stages, show pleometrosis (founding queens cooperate), and continue co-exsisting even after the colony is well-established. The alates do not do nuptial flights, instead they set out on foot and is thought to mate inside their nests. 

These are very primitive ants, so does not show typical behaviours one would expect from ants. They're social strucures is basically non-existent. All workers forage, and workers laying eggs have been observed. 

 

Sources:

https://www.antwiki....yrmecia_macrops

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

Great info on these ants, I will be looking back every day for updates.

[IdioticMouse26]

Ant of the Day: Megaponera analis

 

(Minor and Major workers of M.analis. Credit: AntWiki)

 

These termite-raiding specialists are native to many countries in Africa. The sizes between workers vary greatly, with majors being over twice the size of minors. M. analis is unique in that they specialize in hunting one specifice prey: Termites. To be more exact, termites of the subfamily Macrotermitinae. They are also quite nomadic, since they must move to new hunting grounds often.

 

Before a raid is started, scout ants are sent to look for termite nests and foraging grounds within 50m radius. Once a nest is located, the scout returns and rallies about 250-500 minors & majors for the raid. The number of ants on the raid largely depends on how many termites are on the raiding site. 

Once the raiding party has arrived, the majors tear holes into the protective layer of soil the termites have built and the minors rush into the openings to kill and haul out their prey. The majors can carry up to 12 termites when returning to their nests. 

 

What's astonishing about this species is that they do not abandon their fallen sisters. If an ant is unable to move due to injury, it was observed that other ants will carry them back to the nest to nurse them. Despite their barbaric and nomadic behaviours, they have a complex social strucure and their raiding colums are very organized. With the ants carrying termites staying in the middle for protection. Truly, the diversities of ants knows no bounds.

 

Sources:

https://www.antwiki....gaponera_analis

Edited by IdioticMouse26, October 9 2024 - 10:21 PM.

[OwlThatLikesAnts]

Ant of the Day: Megaponera analis

 

550px-Megaponera_analis,_Mpala_Research_Centre,_Kenya,_Daniel_Kronauer.jpg

(Minor and Major workers of M.analis. Credit: AntWiki)

 

These termite-raiding specialists are native to many countries in Africa. The sizes between workers vary greatly, with majors being over twice the size of minors. M. analis is unique in that they specialize in hunting one specifice prey: Termites. To be more exact, termites of the subfamily Macrotermitinae. They are also quite nomadic, since they must move to new hunting grounds often.

 

Before a raid is started, scout ants are sent to look for termite nests and foraging grounds within 50m radius. Once a nest is located, the scout returns and rallies about 250-500 minors & majors for the raid. The number of ants on the raid largely depends on how many termites are on the raiding site. 

Once the raiding party has arrived, the majors tear holes into the protective layer of soil the termites have built and the minors rush into the openings to kill and haul out their prey. The majors can carry up to 12 termites when returning to their nests. 

 

What's astonishing about this species is that they do not abandon their fallen sisters. If an ant is unable to move due to injury, it was observed that other ants will carry them back to the nest to nurse them. Despite their barbaric and nomadic behaviours, they have a complex social strucure and their raiding colums are very organized. With the ants carrying termites staying in the middle for protection. Truly, the diversities of ants knows no bounds.

 

Sources:

https://www.antwiki....gaponera_analis

Wow I really love this already!

 

keep up the hard work! 

[OwlThatLikesAnts]

 

Ant of the Day: Megaponera analis

 

550px-Megaponera_analis,_Mpala_Research_Centre,_Kenya,_Daniel_Kronauer.jpg

(Minor and Major workers of M.analis. Credit: AntWiki)

 

These termite-raiding specialists are native to many countries in Africa. The sizes between workers vary greatly, with majors being over twice the size of minors. M. analis is unique in that they specialize in hunting one specifice prey: Termites. To be more exact, termites of the subfamily Macrotermitinae. They are also quite nomadic, since they must move to new hunting grounds often.

 

Before a raid is started, scout ants are sent to look for termite nests and foraging grounds within 50m radius. Once a nest is located, the scout returns and rallies about 250-500 minors & majors for the raid. The number of ants on the raid largely depends on how many termites are on the raiding site. 

Once the raiding party has arrived, the majors tear holes into the protective layer of soil the termites have built and the minors rush into the openings to kill and haul out their prey. The majors can carry up to 12 termites when returning to their nests. 

 

What's astonishing about this species is that they do not abandon their fallen sisters. If an ant is unable to move due to injury, it was observed that other ants will carry them back to the nest to nurse them. Despite their barbaric and nomadic behaviours, they have a complex social strucure and their raiding colums are very organized. With the ants carrying termites staying in the middle for protection. Truly, the diversities of ants knows no bounds.

 

Sources:

https://www.antwiki....gaponera_analis

 

Wow I really love this already!

 

keep up the hard work!  
 

maybe Aphaenogaster tennesseensis next?

[IdioticMouse26]

 

 

Ant of the Day: Megaponera analis

 

550px-Megaponera_analis,_Mpala_Research_Centre,_Kenya,_Daniel_Kronauer.jpg

(Minor and Major workers of M.analis. Credit: AntWiki)

 

These termite-raiding specialists are native to many countries in Africa. The sizes between workers vary greatly, with majors being over twice the size of minors. M. analis is unique in that they specialize in hunting one specifice prey: Termites. To be more exact, termites of the subfamily Macrotermitinae. They are also quite nomadic, since they must move to new hunting grounds often.

 

Before a raid is started, scout ants are sent to look for termite nests and foraging grounds within 50m radius. Once a nest is located, the scout returns and rallies about 250-500 minors & majors for the raid. The number of ants on the raid largely depends on how many termites are on the raiding site. 

Once the raiding party has arrived, the majors tear holes into the protective layer of soil the termites have built and the minors rush into the openings to kill and haul out their prey. The majors can carry up to 12 termites when returning to their nests. 

 

What's astonishing about this species is that they do not abandon their fallen sisters. If an ant is unable to move due to injury, it was observed that other ants will carry them back to the nest to nurse them. Despite their barbaric and nomadic behaviours, they have a complex social strucure and their raiding colums are very organized. With the ants carrying termites staying in the middle for protection. Truly, the diversities of ants knows no bounds.

 

Sources:

https://www.antwiki....gaponera_analis

 

Wow I really love this already!

 

keep up the hard work!  
 

maybe Aphaenogaster tennesseensis next?

 

I'll do that one tomorrow. 

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

Cool to see the size difference in the majors. 

 

Wonder what ants you will do next!

[IdioticMouse26]

Ant of the Day: Lasius latipes

 

(Nuptial flight of L. latipes. Credit: Adrian Thysse)

 

L. latipes are native to North America and can be found almost anywhere in it. They are a temporary parasite to multiple other Lasius species. These include: L. alienus, L. americanus, L.crypticus, and L. neoniger. Ironically, L. latipes is a host for another temporary parasitic species, L. interjectus. L. latipes typically build their nests in sandy areas under rocks, wood or completely in the open. 

 

The queens have very noticable features, such as stocky legs and not really resembling your typical Lasius. My thought is that they're stocky because the queens need to infiltrate other nests and should be able to take a few bites. Although, this is just my thought, not a professional opinion.

 

They are have a great mutal relationships with root-feeding aphids. They are a reclusive species, tending to stay underground by sustaining themselves from underground aphids. The only time you can see them en mass is during nuptial flights. Speaking of nuptial flights, their nuptial flight season is from June to Septemeber, often after rain and at late afternoons.

 

If you wanted to keep this species, you'll need a host nest. Or you could collect some callows from their host species and put them with the queen. Most parasitic species of ants are not for beginners, so if you are one, I would not recommend keeping them.

 

Sources:

https://www.antwiki..../Lasius_latipes

https://bugguide.net...w/239781/bgpage

Edited by IdioticMouse26, October 10 2024 - 8:13 PM.

[T.C.]

Cool thread. Thanks for doing this, keep it up. 

[RushmoreAnts]

Agreed. Great to have you back!

[IdioticMouse26]

Agreed. Great to have you back!

Thank you! It's nice to be back!

[IdioticMouse26]

Note: For those who don't know I'm at Korea right now so if the upload time is a little weird, please understand. Sorry for the late update.

 

Ant of the Day: Aphaenogaster tennesseensis

 

(A. tennesseensis queen surrounded by her host species(A. rudis) of workers. Credit: Alexander Wild)

 

Aphaenogaster tennesseensis are a temporary social parasite of other Aphaenogaster species. Native to the United States and eastern parts of Canada, they are a relatively large species. The interesting thing is the queens of the species are a similiar size of the workers. This is because as a parasitic species, the queens do not need large body reserves. 

 

They have their nuptial flight at June. Once their flight is over, the queens of A. tennesseensis infilitrates her host nest and eimits a powerful pheromone that makes her highly attractive. The host workers tend to her unknowingly and treats her like their queen. Once the host's queen is killed, their nest is slowly replaced by A. tennesseensis broods and workers. 

 

They tend to nest either in rotting wood or in soil. A. tennesseensis are granivors, their diet typically consists of peanuts, pecans, cashews, and almond. Although, they will still eagerly accept sugar water and other sources of proteins like feeder insects. 

[kiedeerk]

Great idea and thread. I would love to learn more about unique and rare species of ants. 

 

 

 

Just one comment and critique. To keep the information factual and professional, I would not interject your own opinion or thoughts into the information paragraph. You can even copy exact information from antwiki or other scientific sources. I would not include these: "My thought is that they're stocky because the queens need to infiltrate other nests and should be able to take a few bites. Although, this is just my thought, not a professional opinion" or "If you wanted to keep this species, you'll need a host nest. Or you could collect some callows from their host species and put them with the queen. Most parasitic species of ants are not for beginners, so if you are one, I would not recommend keeping them".

 

Some of the information on A tennesseensis is incorrect, they are not mostly granivorous and the nuts you mentioned are not even native to eastern usa. Most aphaenogaster species do not eagerly accept sugar water/honey and will cover up all wet/liquids with substate or garbage. 

 

I would have written it like this:

 

Aphaenogaster tennesseensis is a temporary parasite to other aphaenogaster species such as fulva, rudis, or picea. Workers of this species are relatively large, dark reddish-brown with curved propodeal spines. The queens are very distinctive looking and are almost entirely smooth, lacking any obvious sculpture, and have long blunt tipped propodeal spines. This ant is easily identified by its lack of hair on the mesosoma and metasoma, and by the propodeal spines that curve back towards the gaster. They are native to the eastern USA and Canada and as far west as Oklahoma. Their nuptial flight usually occurs in June. 

Edited by kiedeerk, October 13 2024 - 5:49 PM.

[IdioticMouse26]

Great idea and thread. I would love to learn more about unique and rare species of ants. 

 

 

 

Just one comment and critique. To keep the information factual and professional, I would not interject your own opinion or thoughts into the information paragraph. You get even copy exact information from antwiki or other scientific sources. I would not include these: "My thought is that they're stocky because the queens need to infiltrate other nests and should be able to take a few bites. Although, this is just my thought, not a professional opinion" or "If you wanted to keep this species, you'll need a host nest. Or you could collect some callows from their host species and put them with the queen. Most parasitic species of ants are not for beginners, so if you are one, I would not recommend keeping them".

 

Some of the information on A tennesseensis is incorrect, they are not mostly granivorous and the nuts you mentioned are not even native to eastern usa. Most aphaenogaster species do not eagerly accept sugar water/honey and will cover up all wet/liquids with substate or garbage. 

 

I would have written it like this:

 

Aphaenogaster tennesseensis is a temporary parasite to other aphaenogaster species such as fulva, rudis, or picea. Workers of this species are relatively large, dark reddish-brown with curved propodeal spines. The queens are very distinctive looking and are almost entirely smooth, lacking any obvious sculpture, and have long blunt tipped propodeal spines. This ant is easily identified by its lack of hair on the mesosoma and metasoma, and by the propodeal spines that curve back towards the gaster. They are native to the eastern USA and Canada and as far west as Oklahoma. Their nuptial flight usually occurs in June. 

Thank you for the feedback! I'm not a professional when it comes to knowing ants scientifically, just a guy who likes ants. Today's entry was kind of rushed, so I'll try to research more about the information or source I'm writing off of. I also try to simplify things quite a bit so critical information could have gotten lost in the process. Please correct me if I'm giving incorrect information. Do you have any suggestions on reliable websites? The truth is, it's really hard to find good info from anywhere else other then antwiki. 

Edited by IdioticMouse26, October 12 2024 - 5:41 AM.

[ANTdrew]

Tagging on to Kiedeerk’s post, and with all respect, I recommend running spell check for added quality to your posts. This is a great thread; make it the best it can be.

[kiedeerk]

Great idea and thread. I would love to learn more about unique and rare species of ants.



Just one comment and critique. To keep the information factual and professional, I would not interject your own opinion or thoughts into the information paragraph. You get even copy exact information from antwiki or other scientific sources. I would not include these: "My thought is that they're stocky because the queens need to infiltrate other nests and should be able to take a few bites. Although, this is just my thought, not a professional opinion" or "If you wanted to keep this species, you'll need a host nest. Or you could collect some callows from their host species and put them with the queen. Most parasitic species of ants are not for beginners, so if you are one, I would not recommend keeping them".

Some of the information on A tennesseensis is incorrect, they are not mostly granivorous and the nuts you mentioned are not even native to eastern usa. Most aphaenogaster species do not eagerly accept sugar water/honey and will cover up all wet/liquids with substate or garbage.

I would have written it like this:

Aphaenogaster tennesseensis is a temporary parasite to other aphaenogaster species such as fulva, rudis, or picea. Workers of this species are relatively large, dark reddish-brown with curved propodeal spines. The queens are very distinctive looking and are almost entirely smooth, lacking any obvious sculpture, and have long blunt tipped propodeal spines. This ant is easily identified by its lack of hair on the mesosoma and metasoma, and by the propodeal spines that curve back towards the gaster. They are native to the eastern USA and Canada and as far west as Oklahoma. Their nuptial flight usually occurs in June.

Thank you for the feedback! I'm not a professional when it comes to knowing ants scientifically, just a guy who likes ants. Today's entry was kind of rushed, so I'll try to research more about the information or source I'm writing off of. I also try to simplify things quite a bit so critical information could have gotten lost in the process. Please correct me if I'm giving incorrect information. Do you have any suggestions on reliable websites? The truth is, it's really hard to find good info from anywhere else other then antwiki.

Ant wiki is probably the first source I would go too. But you can also look into published journal papers on specific ants, sometimes you may not find any.

Then they are text books on ants some are available online for free or in pdf files. You can probably find some on torrents. Here is a good one in North American ants
https://antssouthafr...-compressed.pdf