9 replies to this topic

[JasonD]

Hey all, I'd like some help identifying this queen I caught today. She was caught peeking out of her founding chamber on the side of a trail in the southern California coastal hills. She is about 12-13 mm long. I can try to get some better pictures if these aren't sufficient. Thanks!

 

Edit: About here. 33°49'02.0"N 117°45'33.5"W

Santiago Oaks is a park in Orange County, very close to irvine park.

 

 

 

Edited by JasonD, March 4 2017 - 9:04 PM.

[Martialis]

To me, it looks like Myrmecocystus mimicus.

 

 

That or Camponotus sp.

[soulsynapse]

Can you give us a more exact location? Cheers

[Zeiss]

It appears you did not read the top post, where it says to read before you post in this area.  Go to this link (http://www.formicult...t-a-new-thread/) and then reply to this post with that information filled out.  It will help us more.  

[JasonD]

Sure. About here. 33°49'02.0"N 117°45'33.5"W

Santiago Oaks is a park in Orange County, very close to irvine park. 

 

It would be awesome if they are honeypots! I didn't think that there were any camponotus around here because there is very little wooded area, but it's possible! Reminds me of camponotus too. 

[Martialis]

He seemed to have filled out sufficient information from the beginning.

[Zeiss]

This queen looks more like Myrmecocystus yuma to me.  

[dspdrew]

I'm pretty sure that is the common dark-colored diurnal Honeypot ant species that are all over the mountains in Southern California. Like Martialis said, I think they're Myrmecocystus mimicus.

 

I figured they probably flew early in the year, and now I know.

[gcsnelling]

I agree this is Myrmecocystus, the very long maxillary palps are very telling.

Edited by gcsnelling, March 5 2017 - 4:36 AM.

[JasonD]

Thanks everyone! Looks like M mimicus is a pretty tricky species to raise. Just noticed this morning that she laid two eggs so that's a good start!