7 replies to this topic

[YawningGull]

I am just starting this hobby, and don't really know how to identify what species any ants are. I see ants canada videos where he can just see an ant on the street and be like "Oh yeah, that's a Lasius Niger worker" or something. Does anyone know any good resources where I can learn to identify all of the species that live in my area like that? I live near seattle.

Edited by YawningGull, July 26 2016 - 3:10 PM.

[Batspiderfish]

What is your location?

[MrmrGatlin]

The fun way might be to go out collecting workers from different species then trying to key them when you get home. This is how I learned quite a few species since you tend to learn a lot about species while you attempt to find the correct one. Plus now you know what's around locally.

[Alza]

Research ants that have a description like the ones around you. Find the genus name. Find the species within that genus that matches. Overtime, you will just be looking at all kinds of ants and will eventually know each shape when you see them. 

[sgheaton]

Youtube?? Antcanada did a small blurb at the end of their "identifying queens" video that was really informative. Also incredibly historical because the music - Carmen opera

[Subverted]

Read as much as you can, use reference sites when they are available, and accept that you will be wrong...a lot...a whole lot.

 

This might be a good place to start: https://www.antweb.o...Name=Washington

[LC3]

I suggest you start with genus first, it's easier and will give you some basics. As for that just look at pictures of ants as much as you can, just look at them, take note of their differences and look at them again. http://www.alexander...t-of-Ant-Genera<here's a good website for ant genre

Species are a bit difficult and to be honest you might need to do a lot of reading. Like a lot of reading.

[Salmon]

Try learning all the common and distinctive species first, so that when you come across something new you can rule them out quickly.