7 replies to this topic

[wolfwhowanders]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Grand Junction, CO
2. Date of collection: 16 July 2017
3. Habitat of collection: High desert near running water
4. Length (from head to gaster): About 4mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Black body with yellowish legs
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Very small
7. Distinguishing behavior: Hanging around a light after dark
8. Nest description: None seen

[Images of ant]

 

 

[VoidElecent]

This looks like what seems to be a Lasius male alate. I've been finding lots of these at my black light.

[wolfwhowanders]

I know lasius ID by photo is tough, but what would I need to narrow it down a bit?

[gcsnelling]

Being a male, you would need a miracle.

[Nathant2131]

Yeah good luck trying to ID a male to species level. It usually requires very strong magnification, if there is even a key for it.

[Martialis]

This is a pretty cool male. 

[ace2184]

I apologize for my lack of terminology, but male alates almost look to have bigger "shoulders". Mesosoma I think?

[sgheaton]

I've associated that the males tend to look like the gnarly/lanky version of a queen. 

 

Edit:
That being said, I'm capturing anything that resembles an ant that has wings. Figure the rest out later. 
 

Edited by sgheaton, July 18 2017 - 12:52 PM.