10 replies to this topic

[dspdrew]

1. Location of collection: Near Joshua Tree National Park, California.
2. Date of collection: 8-3-2014.
3. Habitat of collection: High desert.
4. Length (from head to gaster): 5mm.
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: All Yellowish-brown.
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Small spines.

 

 

 

[dspdrew]

Seems a bit big, but I think this might be Temnothorax.

[123LordOfAnts123]

That head screams Pheidole to me.

[dspdrew]

I think you might be right. I wonder if I got myself a Pheidole gilvescens; I really wanted one.

[Gregory2455]

It looks like the mandibles of the red one with a yellow and black striped gaster that I have, they probably do have different colors, no? The mandibles especially though.

[dspdrew]

Yeah I was thinking of that one you have and that it might be the same as this one.

[Gregory2455]

They were flying the day I was there- I was right next to a colony with alates flying, and I didn't notice until I was about to head home, probably could have caught a lot more than five. 

[dspdrew]

Ohhh based on what you're saying, and what I know about that spot, I'm almost positive that at least what you have is P. gilvescens. I was hoping they would fly while I was there, but I never really saw them, only P. xerophila. I didn't realize you got five of them, that's not bad. I only had six P. xerophila last year, and thought I got a lot more this year, but turns out I only have about eight of them now. Hopefully I'll be a little more successful with them this year.

[dspdrew]

They were flying the day I was there- I was right next to a colony with alates flying, and I didn't notice until I was about to head home, probably could have caught a lot more than five. 

Exactly what day were you there again?

[Gregory2455]

I forget the date- but next Tuesday it will be two weeks ago.

[dspdrew]

Oh okay thanks. That was the day I left. Wish I would have known there were more flights coming.