2 replies to this topic

[skocko76]

Hi all!

Caught 20 of these girls yesterday. They were everywhere, from morning till after dark.  I ran out of tubes

Anyway, they're shiny black, approximately 15mm long.

Can you help me ID them? Messor, right? I'll try to get some better lighting for the photos.

 

1. Location of collection : everywhere, roof, road, recreational zone, Split, Croatia, South Europe

2. Date of collection: 12th September 2017.

3. Habitat of collection : all over town, nothing stands out.
4. Length: cca 15mm
5. Coloration, hue, pattern and texture : Shiny black, some bristles
6. Distinguishing characteristics: n/a
7. Anything else distinctive : n/a.
8. Nest description: n/a.
9 . Post the clearest pictures possible: will try to get better photos.
 

 

Edited by skocko76, September 13 2017 - 6:35 AM.

[Formicarius]

 

2. Date of collection: 12th September 2018.

 

 

Tell me your secrets Time Traveler.

On a serious note yeah its a Messor spec. My guess is Messor barbarus or Messor capitatus due to the size of the Queen.

You'll have to hibernate them though because they'll only start laying eggs next year.

Edited by Formicarius, September 13 2017 - 1:40 AM.

[skocko76]

 

 

 

 

Tell me your secrets Time Traveler.

 

 

Fixed

 

Any way to distinguish M. barbarus from M. Capitatus before workers enclose? Or even after, before majors appear?

Edited by skocko76, September 13 2017 - 9:30 AM.