16 replies to this topic

[Tspivey16]

Today I found my first queen ever, and am anxious to get thoughts on an ID. She seems huge!

This was found today in Columbus, OH at a metro park. I peeled back the bark on a log, and found this queen and 2 workers just setting there. She is red and black and 18 mm long.

Also interested to hear thoughts on the fact that she was found with only 2 workers. Does this indicate she was a recent nuptial flight or more established? (Not sure the cycle time of new workers) I did not see any eggs in the area.

 

 

 

[Crystals]

Camponotus for sure.

 

She has two nanitic workers, so she would have flown last spring, raised them, and then overwintered.  A very young colony.

 

A good find.

[Tspivey16]

Thanks! So does this mean she is a colder weather ant? Wondering if I need a heating cable (she was found so close to the surface and is still relatively cool outside.....40s at night)

[dspdrew]

That's a great find. A mature colony can be good and bad, but it looks like you just got the good part. Mature colonies are usually stronger and less likely to fail, yet sometimes you have no idea how old the queen is, therefor you have no idea how much longer the colony will be alive for. In your situation you have a colony that is probably fairly strong, AND you know it's very young.

 

Normally you would need to provide more details and some more detailed pictures to get a proper ID. If you check the pinned thread I made, you can get an idea of what to post.

[Tspivey16]

Thanks! I will try to work on better pictures in the coming days. These were just done with my
iPhone close after the find.

[Zeiss]

Good job on the find!  I still have to find my first queen.  I have not been having much luck finding queens.  Any who, I hope it works out for you! 

[Matt]

Anyway, you found a beautiful species. I wish you much success with it! And for sure, it's the Camponotus genus.

If the weather is not so warm outside, you should only let them at your home temperature for the moment and see what's happening. If in the two next weeks she doesn't lay any eggs, try to heat them a bit to stimulate laying.

[Tspivey16]

After doing some research I am thinking either Camponotus chromaiodes or Camponotus herculeanus

[Crystals]

I highly doubt herculeanus.  Far too much red for them.

Camponotus chromaiodes is a possibility, but we would need better close-ups to see small details likes hairs.

 

Here is a list of your native Camponotus: http://www.antweb.or...roject=ohioants

[Tspivey16]

Nice, thanks! I will work on some better pics - probably the later half of the weekend.

[Tspivey16]

Over a week and no eggs yet......

[dspdrew]

I have a few Camponotus queens that hardly lay eggs at all. One of them got up to six workers and then one day she decided to eat them all. Another one I have had since October, and she only has two workers and one larvae right now. I wouldn't worry too much, plus I'm sure you'll find more anyways; it's still early in the season.

[Tspivey16]

Yeah, I am hoping to also find a more rapid growing species to keep as well

[Mercutia]

Man, how lucky are you to just peel a log and find a young Camponotus colony. xD I wish I had that kind of luck.

 

Still on the hunt for a Camponotus queen this year.

 

If you're looking for species that are fast growing in your area, I highly recommend Tetramorium sp. E. Easy to find and easy to raise.

 

 

EDIT: Also I think Camponotus chromaiodes is more likely just based on the coloration. C. herculeanus the red is only on the thorax and doesn't usually extend into the gaster like that.

Edited by Mercutia, May 5 2014 - 10:35 AM.

[Tspivey16]

Thanks, I will have to look into those and hope my luck continues. I currently have 3 Camponotus going right now!

 

 

 

 

[Tspivey16]

Mercutia - any tips on finding the Tetramorium sp. you mentioned? I seem to find Camponotus as they fall out of the sky (7 so far) - but haven't found anything else. You mentioned they can be an easy find so just hoping to get some tips. Thanks!

[Mercutia]

Why is everyone finding Camponotus but me D;. I found a Camponotus alate yesterday but she was dead.

 

Tetramoriums fly later in the year, I think July. I picked up twenty of them in like a three day period.