13 replies to this topic

[Antlove101]

1. Location of collection: Benguet, Philippines
2. Date of collection: July 7,2017
3. Habitat of collection: Dirt
4. Length (from head to gaster): 1cm
5. Color: Dark
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Antannae is short(2mm in length), Head measures 1mm horizontally, no stingers present
7. Distinguishing behavior: Workers become aggressive when colony is disturbed 
8. Nest description: Nest was found on soil but not much complicated chambers its like the chambers was just naturally carved and not by the ants.

 

[Connectimyrmex]

Some sort of Aphaenogaster.

[Aquaexploder]

Some sort of Aphaenogaster.

Agreed.

[Antlove101]

Thanks for responding on both of you sir really appreciate it, but anyone knows on what specific species could it be?

[Batspiderfish]

No Aphaenogaster in the Philippines. Could be Pheidole.

[Connectimyrmex]

True, but Pheidole don't have that crescent moon body shape.

To care for her, just put her in a test tube with damp cotton. Put her on a desk or in a cabinet (some species tolerate lighting during founding). 

Edited by Connectimyrmex, July 29 2017 - 4:41 PM.

[Antlove101]

I already tried posting this on our local group but not even one could be able to ID it, but still thanks for the effort and response

[cpman]

True, but Pheidole don't have that crescent moon body shape.

I still think Pheidole is a good guess. It's got the mesosomal spines (at least somewhat -- see the last photo) and the three-segmented antennal club.

My best attempt at keying it out using The Ants gave me Pheidole as well. I wouldn't be too confident in that though because it requires characteristics that can't be seen clearly in these photos.

[Antlove101]

Ah okay sir sorry for the low quality of the picture but I thought pheidole are reddish in color? This one is a pure dark

[LC3]

Colour is usually not a reliable way to identify species.

[Antlove101]

So it could be the genus of this queen is Pheidole?

[Connectimyrmex]

Now that I look at her again, I'm pretty sure that she is Pheidole. Check the parent colony for Majors.

[cpman]

So it could be the genus of this queen is Pheidole?

Yep. We probably won't be able to get it to species with just the queen. Pheidole has many species, and it usually requires majors to get one down to species.

Fortunately, they're mostly similar in their care requirements. You can just put her in a test tube setup and you should have workers within a couple months.

[Antlove101]

Thanks a lot "masters" much appreciated