5 replies to this topic

[Russell]

Hi

 

    Hoping for help with a species identification. Had a nuptial flight of small( queens are 5mm) ants today in Victoria BC. Founds them inside and outside window and paver driveway. See details and pic below. Tried best for a good pic but they are very small and were moving a lot under the disection microscope we have. We ended up with 10 and will be setting up in test tubes. Excited as this is the first hear hunting for ants and the second species so far this year. 

Album: June 4th Victoria, Bc Canada Queen Ants,Driveway

6 images

0 comments

 

1.Location of collection: Victoria, BC, Canada.  

2. Date of collection: June 4th, 
3. Habitat of collection: Sunny day 19-22 degree Celsius. Inside and outside windows.Paver driveway. 30% Humidity

4. Length (from head to gaster):5mm length for winged queens. Workers aprox 1.5mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: All black body. 5mm, winged. 
6. Distinguishing characteristics: None
7. Distinguishing behavior: All have wings attached, some with only 1 wing. Apear to come from nest under pavers. 
8. Nest description: Between sidewalk, and paver driveway. 
 

Thank You

Russell

[VoidElecent]

Thank you for a properly formatted identification thread with measurements!

 

Unfortunately, the pictures aren't particularly clear and we don't have great angles, although I could still make a couple guesses. Based on your description of the queen and workers, these could be Tapinoma sessile. The queen looks like it belongs to the Dolichoderinae subfamily so I would prioritize considering this option, but some closer images would definitely help.

 

It may help to identify if the workers looked like Tapinoma, let me know i you recognize these ants. In the meantime, I'll keep an eye out for when you post more photos.

 

Nice catches, and good luck with your queens!

[Russell]

Thank you for a properly formatted identification thread with measurements!

 

Unfortunately, the pictures aren't particularly clear and we don't have great angles, although I could still make a couple guesses. Based on your description of the queen and workers, these could be Tapinoma sessile. The queen looks like it belongs to the Dolichoderinae subfamily so I would prioritize considering this option, but some closer images would definitely help.

 

It may help to identify if the workers looked like Tapinoma, let me know i you recognize these ants. In the meantime, I'll keep an eye out for when you post more photos.

 

Nice catches, and good luck with your queens!

I will take photo's in a few days when they settle down and I can get them in test tubes I have coming. They are in temporary plastic tubes which are not very clear. I may also look for a dead one by the windows as it will at least sit still for a photo and for me to look for details under the microscope. I will compare to the Tapinoma photo's as well and post what I can determine. Thanks 

[Russell]

I was able to find two dead ones along my windows, put it under the dissection microscope and take a pic on my phone. Here is the added info and pics of face and body. 

Body black with yellow legs. Wings fray with yellow gains. Faniculus 10-11(depending it you found connoting one to turn. 

I believe VoidElecent is correct that they areTapinoma sessile but do take a look at the new closeup pics. 

Anyone know if they are fully claustral or not as I could not find a clear answer?. 

Album: June 4th Victoria, Bc Canada Queen Ants,Driveway

6 images

0 comments

[Spamdy]

They are fully claustral.

[VoidElecent]

 

I was able to find two dead ones along my windows, put it under the dissection microscope and take a pic on my phone. Here is the added info and pics of face and body. 

Body black with yellow legs. Wings fray with yellow gains. Faniculus 10-11(depending it you found connoting one to turn. 

I believe VoidElecent is correct that they areTapinoma sessile but do take a look at the new closeup pics. 

Anyone know if they are fully claustral or not as I could not find a clear answer?. 

 

 

Tapinoma sessile! 

 

They are fully claustral and can be a very fun species to keep. Good luck!