22 replies to this topic

[Foogoo]

I was out checking out some Pogonomyrmex colonies along the street when I noticed what looked like Pogonomyrmex ants the size of Argentine ants. But they didn't appear to be heading towards a mound or hole that I can see. What I thought was interesting is that they were intermingled with workers of the same coloration but the size of Pogonomyrmex. These were the best pictures I could get (you'll have to view the full size pic to see the ants), but does that sound like Solenopsis?

 

 

[Gregory2455]

I see no ants in those images. Get closer up. May be blurry, but it will still give us a better clue.

[Tpro4]

U can see them greg, they are on the left side of the picture. They look just like the ones in my garage.

[Foogoo]

I see no ants in those images. Get closer up. May be blurry, but it will still give us a better clue.

 

Try these, sorry, best I could do with a camera phone on the sidewalk at dusk!

Attached Images

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[Tpro4]

They are pogonomryerex Californius bicolor, according to the mandible size of the major, I think.

I thinks I spelled the species wring though

[Gregory2455]

Polymorphic. That is Solenopsis xyloni. Tpro, Pogonomyrmex californicus bicolor are not polymorphic.

[Foogoo]

They are pogonomryerex Californius bicolor, according to the mandible size of the major, I think.

I thinks I spelled the species wring though

 

That's what I initially expected since there were numerous bicolor and regular colonies around the area, but I've never seen them in two sizes like that before.

[Gregory2455]

NOT POGONOMYRMEX CALIFORNICUS BICOLOR! The only polymorphic Pogonomyrmex species is Pogonomyrmex badius, which is only located in Florida! These are Solenopsis xyloni.

[Gregory2455]

Please do not be fooled. Pogonomyrmex californicus is NOT polymorphic; they do NOT have multiple sized workers. This is Solenopsis xyloni, or the Southern Fire Ant.

[Foogoo]

Interesting, so there's pogonomyrmex californicus, bicolor, and solenopsis all in one stretch of sidewalk. Hopefully together they can hold off the Argentines.

[Gregory2455]

If you look harder, you can probably find 10 other species there too. There are so many ants everywhere that are usually overlooked if you are not looking hard enough.

[DesertAntz]

There is no stopping the Argentines. All hope is lost.

[Gregory2455]

[Tpro4]

There is no stopping the Argentines. All hope is lost.

Unless humans intervene, which is unorthodoxed

[Gregory2455]

You cannot wipe out argentine ants without either wiping out all the species, or overlooking surviving colonies.

[Myrmicinae]

I recall reading that, in at least a few locations, argentine ants have already begun to decline on their own for unknown reasons.  In this case, I think human intervention can only make the problem worse, as pesticides and other traditional control methods are likely to affect native species more heavily.  L. humile is a disturbance specialist, so, if we work to prevent further degradation of natural ecosystems, there is a good chance that the argentines' spread will also be stopped. 

Edited by Myrmicinae, October 6 2014 - 8:04 PM.

[Alza]

Two things, Argentine ants are going to die out, due to the fourth year of drought in california. Second "Ventus" is doing sprays and all sorts of stuff to kill them off. Eventually hard work, and the help of nature will defeat them. Nothing on this planet is permanent 

[Gregory2455]

For once, Alza said truth. There is a CHANCE the drought may help kill them out, although problem is they will come right back from Mexico, Arizona, and Northern California. Never heard of these big sprayings, but doesn't sound ecologically friendly.

[Alza]

Aye, don't worry bout it.  Ventus has it covered. They only attack areas that argentine ants have fully taken over.

Edited by Alza, October 6 2014 - 10:31 PM.

[Gregory2455]

What is Ventus?