9 replies to this topic

[VoidElecent]

1. Location of collection: South Hampton, PA. 
2. Date of collection: 4/29/17
3. Habitat of collection: Suburban/forested area
4. Length (from head to gaster):~6-7 mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Dark red, noticeably orange legs.
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Postpetiole present
7. Distinguishing behavior: NA
8. Nest description: NA
 

It looks like either an Aphaenogaster, Myrmica, or Stenamma  queen for sure. Very surprised to have caught one so early.

 

[Batspiderfish]

Myrmica sp. Since they are semi-claustral, the ones we see wandering around in the spring are probably out foraging for their brood in the nest.

Edited by Batspiderfish, April 30 2017 - 6:05 AM.

[VoidElecent]

Myrmica sp. Since they are semi-claustral, the ones we see wandering around in the spring are probably out foraging for their brood in the nest.

 

Thanks, should we return her to the area she was previously at?

[Kevin]

 

Myrmica sp. Since they are semi-claustral, the ones we see wandering around in the spring are probably out foraging for their brood in the nest.

 

Thanks, should we return her to the area she was previously at?

 

You could, then if you find her chamber dig it up, and get the brood she may have.

[Batspiderfish]

 

Myrmica sp. Since they are semi-claustral, the ones we see wandering around in the spring are probably out foraging for their brood in the nest.

 

Thanks, should we return her to the area she was previously at?

 

 

I'm not sure if she'd be able to find her way back at this point. I believe she will begin laying eggs again after a little while, but she will need sugar and small, soft-bodied arthropods (i.e. Drosophila).

 

I highly doubt you'll be able to find her nest.

Edited by Batspiderfish, April 30 2017 - 6:38 AM.

[VoidElecent]

 

 

Myrmica sp. Since they are semi-claustral, the ones we see wandering around in the spring are probably out foraging for their brood in the nest.

 

Thanks, should we return her to the area she was previously at?

 

 

I'm not sure if she'd be able to find her way back at this point. I believe she will begin laying eggs again after a little while, but she will need sugar and small, soft-bodied arthropods (i.e. Drosophila).

 

I highly doubt you'll be able to find her nest.

 

 

Luckily, we have a good supply of Drosophilia designated for feeding purposes. Thanks so much for helping out, I just feel bad that we took her from her nest.

[Bracchymyrmex]

 

 

Myrmica sp. Since they are semi-claustral, the ones we see wandering around in the spring are probably out foraging for their brood in the nest.

 

Thanks, should we return her to the area she was previously at?

 

 

I'm not sure if she'd be able to find her way back at this point. I believe she will begin laying eggs again after a little while, but she will need sugar and small, soft-bodied arthropods (i.e. Drosophila).

 

I highly doubt you'll be able to find her nest.

 

 

Interesting that she will refound her colony, never heard of this in ants before.

[Batspiderfish]

Interesting that she will refound her colony, never heard of this in ants before.

 

With claustral queens, their wing and other protein reserves will have been mostly expended after their first workers. Semi-claustral queens forage, so there's not much limiting her from starting over except settling into a new nest site.

Edited by Batspiderfish, April 30 2017 - 8:49 AM.

[VoidElecent]

 

Interesting that she will refound her colony, never heard of this in ants before.

 

With claustral queens, their wing and other protein reserves will have been mostly expended after their first workers. Semi-claustral queens forage, so there's not much limiting her from starting over except settling into a new nest site.

 

 

Interesting. We'll build a small out world for her as soon as we can.

 

Any recommendations on building her an outworld, or providing the right care for her in her founding stages? I would feel very bad if anything happened to her.

[VoidElecent]

We caught this queen yesterday at approximately 6:15 pm, and we caught another a little less than an hour ago. This second one is darker than the first, and slightly smaller. I've prepared outworlds for both of these semi-claustral queens.

 

I understand Myrmica species are notoriously difficult to identify- is it worth my time trying to get some good macro images, and some from underneath a microscope? Or should I label these as 'Myrmica sp' and move on?

 

Once again, thank you all very much for your help!