9 replies to this topic

[i2chip]

1. Location of collection: Savannah, GA (in my pool)
2. Date of collection: March 28th, 2016
3. Habitat of collection: I live near a small oak/pine forest (forest is big enough to support white tailed deer though) surrounded by marsh.
4. Length (from head to gaster): ~4mm give or take 1mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: All black
6. Distinguishing characteristics: None that I can think of.
7. Anything else distinctive: N/A
8. Nest description: I couldn't find a nest for them. They just kept falling into the pool from above.

[drtrmiller]

4 mm, +-1 mm, you say? I'm having a little difficulty counting the antennae segments, but Brachymyrmex patagonicus queens are around 3 mm, and fit the description, although they're observed more frequently around disturbed habitats.

 

Edited by drtrmiller, April 10 2016 - 4:36 AM.

[i2chip]

I was thinking it could be Brachymyrmex patagonicus  too, but I just wasn't sure because in the picture that you shared that queen looks like it has some brown in it. I caught 7 of these same queens, and no matter what light that they are in they are always all black.

Edited by i2chip, April 10 2016 - 4:52 AM.

[drtrmiller]

Color varies a bit with ants, and is seldom an accurate way to rule out an ID, especially if all the other physical traits match.

 

That's why I was trying to count the antennae segments, which is a great way to start keying ants, but your photos are a bit too blurry.

[i2chip]

Yeah, sorry I don't have the best pictures my best camera is my iPhone with a clip on micro lens haha. I'll eventually get a DSLR, but I can't count the antenna segments with just my naked eye unfortunately

[i2chip]

Picture of the antennae segments:

[Bryce]

Without a doubt brachy. Believe it or not these little ants are harder to get started then what you would think. But are really interesting once they do.

Edited by Bryce, April 17 2016 - 7:10 PM.

[dspdrew]

Twelve antennal segments; can't be Brachymyrmex. Maybe Nylanderia?

[i2chip]

Three of them have workers now. Maybe they can get a confirmed ID now?

(I don't know why but she ate one of her nanotics, but I gave each of them some Sunburst ant nectar)

[dspdrew]

Naked pupae. I would say that pretty much confirms it.