5 replies to this topic

[Nathant2131]

1. Location of collection: Dracut, Massachusetts
2. Date of collection: 2/29/17
3. Habitat of collection: Front Yard on the edge of a small forest.
4. Length (from head to gaster): ~5 mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture:  Dark red mesosoma and legs, black head and gaster.
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Postpetiole absent.
7. Distinguishing behavior: This ant was walking on the ground next to some trees. Prenolepis imparis and Tetramorium cf. caespitum were foraging very close.

8. Nest description: Nest not found

 

I am assuming Camponotus nearcticus or Camponotus caryae for this girl.


 

 

[Cindy]

Unless you have walnut trees nearby, your best bet is camponotus nearcticus. I have a ton of these workers in my yard and coloration highly varies. Some have red mesosomas while some have black. They all have red legs, however.

[Nathant2131]

Unless you have walnut trees nearby, your best bet is camponotus nearcticus. I have a ton of these workers in my yard and coloration highly varies. Some have red mesosomas while some have black. They all have red legs, however.

The color vary part is very relatable. I just found another (I think a major) also with a black mesosoma.

[VoidElecent]

 

Unless you have walnut trees nearby, your best bet is camponotus nearcticus. I have a ton of these workers in my yard and coloration highly varies. Some have red mesosomas while some have black. They all have red legs, however.

The color vary part is very relatable. I just found another (I think a major) also with a black mesosoma.

 

 

I've found lots of workers very similar, if not identical, to this one in my front yard. Their colorations vary as well, some have lighter mesosomas and larger heads, while other workers are much smaller, jet black and shiny. Planning on starting an ID thread for mine, as well. I'm going with either C. nearcticus, or C. caryae.

 

edit: I didn't even see that you listed C. caryae and C. nearcticus as possibilities as well!

Edited by VoidElecent, April 29 2017 - 2:36 PM.

[Batspiderfish]

Hair coverage on the gena (cheeks) will tell them apart. Camponotus nearcticus has none.

[Nathant2131]

Hair coverage on the gena (cheeks) will tell them apart. Camponotus nearcticus has none.

Don't have the necessary tools for that, so I'll have to leave it at those two. One of the trees they forage on IS a walnut tree.