6 replies to this topic

[Lieutenant Redundant]

Since it's almost Pogonomyrmex season (June) here in Florida, I decided to repost my small founding chamber tutorial on this forum.  Here it is and I hope that it helps all you new Pogonomyrmex Hunters out!

 

Note, although perhaps similar, I can only guarantee that this is how P. Badius do their chambers in Florida.  P. Badius in other regions may do things a bit differently.

 

Anywho!  Lets get started with a key.

 

Here is your typical example of a freshly dug P. Badius claustral chamber.  This tunnel has been started within the last few hours.  And this next photo shows you some easy tricks to tell it apart from other types of digs.

 

As you can see, some common characteristics of a newly dug claustral tunnel are:

1. The dirt will be in the shape of a crescent around the hole.

2. The dirt will be in small "chunks."  This makes sense as the dirt needs to be large enough for the queen to take up in her mandibles, right?

3. Sandy areas.  Although some areas may trick you as they may not seem sandy underneath things such as a lawn of grass, but they are.

4. Nest is in direct sunlight.  If you are hunting for Pogonomyrmex nests in the shade, then good luck to you.  You probably won't find a lot of them.

5. Hole will normally be at a slight angle in regards to the ground.  In other words, it will not be straight down.

 

Now, here are some examples where you can apply some, if not all, of the above characteristics for yourself!  See if you can find the CORRECT ANSWER.  Good luck!

 

Which of these photos is a P. Badius claustral tunnel?

 

 

Number 01

 

Number 02

 

Number 03

 

Number 04

 

Number 05

 

Number 06

 

Number 07

 

Number 08

[dspdrew]

I'll have to go with number seven.

[LAnt]

How did you find all of these different chambers?

[dspdrew]

Lieutenant Redundant, You should have thrown in the ol' trekking pole hole. Those drive me NUTS, even though anything more than a quick glance can tell you pretty quick what it is.

[Lieutenant Redundant]

How did you find all of these different chambers?

 

Well, lets just say there are ALOT of bugs in Florida.  You really can't take a step and not be stepping on the home of SOMETHING.  These are everywhere.

 

 

Lieutenant Redundant, You should have thrown in the ol' trekking pole hole. Those drive me NUTS, even though anything more than a quick glance can tell you pretty quick what it is.

 

Ha ha ha.  One of these actually LOOKS as clean as a trekking pole hole, but it's really from a wasp.  I don't think anyone really hikes around where I go Pogonomyrmex hunting.  It's a small area of wilderness surrounded by urban area.

Edited by Lieutenant Redundant, May 24 2014 - 5:44 PM.

[Lieutenant Redundant]

Oh, and number seven is correct!

 

On another note, I went around looking at all the surviving Pogonomyrmex nests since last summer and there were a few queens doing the "inside-outside" shuffle.  Almost time!  Just need a good rain and more heat!

Edited by Lieutenant Redundant, May 24 2014 - 5:47 PM.

[dspdrew]

Here's what the Pogonomyrmex californicus (bicolor) founding chambers look like here. They seem to like to drop all the dirt in pretty much the same spot. Even when there are no rocks in the way, they still look the same.