6 replies to this topic

[noebl1]

1. Location of collection:                     Stuck to pants, may have been attracted to flash light (was out ant spotting)

2. Date of collection:                            6-29-2016 at 9:45PM EST, 66F, 81% humidity

3. Habitat of collection:                       Heavy wooded area

 

4. Length (from head to gaster):         4.4mm  

 

5. Color, hue, pattern and texture:      Brownish red, some black stripes on gaster

 

6. Distinguishing characteristics:       *TINY*

 

 

Sorry for the bad pics, but she's very small and won't sit still.  Wondering if a solenopsis molesta queen?

 

 

 

 

 

[LC3]

Not sure what species that queen you've got there is but it is definitely not Solenopsis molesta.

[Batspiderfish]

Temnothorax curvispinosus or possibly T. ambiguus. This genus likes to fly at night.

I'm going to have to fire up my porch lights. We just had thunder showers tonight, in Maine; tomorrow will be a high of 82!

Edited by Batspiderfish, June 29 2016 - 8:45 PM.

[noebl1]

Thanks @batspiderfish.  Total accident too... was hoping to see if i could spot any Tetramorium relocating after a potential flight earlier in the day... but instead ended up with this on my pants, LOL

[noebl1]

FYI they are flying again tonight.  Found another one on a light post.

[Batspiderfish]

I've been sitting on the porch with 4x4 ft aquarium lights (A decent blue light output, at least.) All I attracted so far as ants was a Tapinoma sessile male. Despite the nice weather, it seems the ground was too damp after the rains the night before. I have better hopes for tomorrow evening.

Edited by Batspiderfish, June 30 2016 - 8:46 PM.

[noebl1]

BTW I think you were spot on with Temnothorax curvispinosus.   First workers eclosed this week, and do indeed look as the species is described. Thanks again!