6 replies to this topic

[The_Kahndawg]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Just outside of Cloudcroft, NM. Bridal Veil Falls hiking trail
2. Date of collection: 6/27/2017
3. Habitat of collection: Just outside of a desert scrub environment. This trail is in the mountains and has some trees with a mix of both coniferous and deciduous. ~6,000ft elevation
4. Length (from head to gaster): ~9.5mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Head is a dark reddish brown. Rest of the ant is black, very dull.

6. Distinguishing characteristics: Unsure 
7. Distinguishing behavior: Ant seems to be very docile. I am able to handle this ant without it getting excited and sprinting around or biting.

 

Edited by The_Kahndawg, June 30 2017 - 7:25 AM.

[VoidElecent]

I would say Myrmecocystus mimicus, but I'm also not incredibly familiar with Southwestern ants so you may want to look a little deeper into it.

[gcsnelling]

Most likely a Myrmecocystus but the photo is not good enough I am going to stick my neck out beyond probably. However the only other option would be a Formica.

[Batspiderfish]

It's good to provide photos from more than one angle for an ID request. Also, we don't have permission to view the full-sized images.

[The_Kahndawg]

Thank you all for the advice! This is my first time posting here, and I appreciate all the help you can give. I have uploaded one more photo of the ant and will take more later when my phone is fully charged. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide to help with this ID. It means a lot to me, so thank you once again!

[cpman]

I think it is Myrmecocystus sp. -- in the last photo, you can see the long palps that distinguish the genus. I'm not familiar enough with the genus to guess as to the species.

[antsnewmexico]

myrmecocystus mimicus worker