5 replies to this topic

[CNewton]

Not even sure this is a queen. She acts like one; washing her gaster and meandering slowly around.

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Western New York
2. Date of collection: 7/18/17
3. Habitat of collection: concrete patio, yard
4. Length (from head to gaster:) 4mm. Super tiny
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: semi-gloss black. Lighter colored legs.
6. Distinguishing characteristics: She looks very much like a Tetramorium, 1/2 as big.
7. Distinguishing behavior: while i was trying to corral her, she would lay down and 'play dead'?
8. Nest description: N/A

I am so sorry about this pics. It's the best i could do. She is incredibly small. There are very small ants on the patio as well. Could this be Monomorium minimum?

[T.C.]

By the pictures I can't really tell? But I'm guessing it's just a worker.

[VoidElecent]

Some better photos would very helpful. By the looks of it, I think it is actually a queen. If it is, it is likely Leptohorax muscorum or Myrmecina americana.

[WeatherAnt]

Some better photos would very helpful. By the looks of it, I think it is actually a queen. If it is, it is likely Leptohorax muscorum or Myrmecina americana.

 

Yep, I also think she is a queen. I would also add Stenamma brevirorne to the list of possibilities. 

Edited by WeatherAnt, July 21 2017 - 11:31 AM.

[LC3]

Leptothorax muscorum queens are much more slender then the queen pictured and judging by the size it probably isn't Myrmica.

 

I agree with WeatherAnt's suggestion of Stenamma brevicorne.

[CNewton]

I've been keeping her as a Myrmecina Americana. From what I can tell, they are semi-cloistral. She has eaten for me, but hasn't produced any eggs. I'll break out the magnifying glass and check specs on Stenamma brevicorne. I tried taking better pics, but I'd need a much better camera lens to get anything worthwhile.