4 replies to this topic

[Zegorzalek]

Revisited a site today where I found the abundance of males previously ID'ed and found claustral chambers... and some of these beauties. Have to say I almost jumped out of my skin when I spread the shovel of dirt and this lady came running out. I believe they are possibly Myrmecocystus testaceus? I was unable to see any active nests... mostly Pogonomyrmex's this morning, but I believe Myrm is a night forager.

 

1.caught: ~ 40 miles NE of Barstow, CA

2. time: 13 sep (today)

3. Mojave Desert:  grass/sand/rock near dry lake bed alongside a dirt road, chambers about 8" deep

4. 13-14mm

5. glorious glossy yellow

6.

7.

8. nests in area seem to be typical harvester types, lots of dark red ants, a couple large colonies of a small black harvester type, quite a few barricaded tumulus nests.

 

 

Edited by Zegorzalek, September 13 2017 - 5:31 PM.

[gcsnelling]

Probably Myrmecocystus mexicanus, they tend to fly this time of year out there.

[dspdrew]

Nice! Didn't some storms go through there last night?

[Zegorzalek]

Scattered cells about a week ago, followed by a 40minute plus downpour on the 8th. We have also had some follow on showers a couple nights ago. Needless to say, found a good bunch of chambers today. Mostly Pogonomyrmex (rugosus from previous id I believe), but several of these.

Edited by Zegorzalek, September 13 2017 - 6:55 PM.

[OniMonkey]

Scattered cells about a week ago, followed by a 40minute plus downpour on the 8th. We have also had some follow on showers a couple nights ago. Needless to say, found a good bunch of chambers today. Mostly Pogonomyrmex (rugosus from previous id I believe), but several of these.

 

Great find again! I was around Barstow today also, but didn't find anything. Even went up to the base and got turn away lol