7 replies to this topic

[nathant]

1. Location of collection:                  Sidewalk beside house in city, Southwest Michigan

 

2. Date of collection:                           9-9-2016

3. Habitat of collection:                      city curb lawn near a backyard garden

 

4. Length (from head to gaster):         ~5mm  

 

5. Color, hue, pattern and texture:       black, small, smooth and shiny? (not particularly hairy)

Sorry for the poor picture quality
Link to photo album: http://imgur.com/a/xsAHz
 

This is my first ever queen as I've only recently become interested in this field... I'm really, really hoping it's not Tetramorium caespitum because I read that they are extremely challenging to keep (and I'd rather have my first attempt at a colony be something more straightforward.)
If this is a pavement ant, do you think I should attempt it?  Could you recommend another species for me to watch for? I live in a city and would like to start raising a colony over the winter (not sure if there are many nuptial flights remaining).
 
Thanks so much!!

[T.C.]

This is a tough one, let me do some research. I'll get back to you

[benjiwuf]

Crematogaster species i do believe.

[Mdrogun]

Great find! It is a Crematogaster sp. queen. Just an FYI, Tetramorium caespitum/sp. e is really easy to keep, probably one of the easiest ants to keep. if you live in the U.S. you are referring to Tetramorium sp. e

[Canadian anter]

Either crematogaster cerasi or lineolata. P.S tetramorium are considered easy

Edited by Canadian anter, September 11 2016 - 9:17 PM.

[Canadian anter]

Also, you should hibernate it before it'll lay eggs

[nathant]

Oookay!  You guys are awesome, thanks.  I was almost certain it was tetramorium - and, for the life of me, based on the literature, I dunno how you can tell the crematogaster and tetramorium queens apart - I guess it takes practice and experience!
I'll read up on hibernation techniques and care for the queen and colony.

Thanks so much!!!

[Canadian anter]

Gaters are pointier in crematogaster