7 replies to this topic

[dspdrew]

1. Location of collection:  Blythe, California
2. Date of collection:  9-12-2017
3. Habitat of collection:  Desert riparian
4. Length (from head to gaster):  7mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture:  Dark orange with dark yellow gaster
6. Distinguishing characteristics: 
7. Anything else distinctive: 
8. Nest description:  Founding chambers are 3-4cm diameter mounds of dirt

 

 

 

 

[dspdrew]

Been a long time since I posted an ID thread. I'm pretty sure this is Dorymyrmex flavus and I just wanted to get a confirmation. This is the first time I've ever found these.

[gcsnelling]

Yes that is what it appears to be. I was the first to collect them there. They are known only from Blythe in California and are assumed to be introduced.

[dspdrew]

Wow that's very interesting. I found these just north of Blythe on the side of Hwy 95.

[gcsnelling]

That is interesting, my father and I had only found them in Mayflower park which In suspect is the likely point of introduction.. Interestingly enough I have seen scattered records from around Arizona which would not be along major transportation corridors which would indicate the species is actually a native and the California population is just a remnant population. Did you see any workers anywhere?

[dspdrew]

No I didn't see any workers or mature nests, but of course I wasn't able to look around that much because it was 115 degrees, and I literally thought I was going to pass out after about 30 minutes of digging.

 

Where are these supposed to be native to?

 

Edit: After looking up May Flower Park, I realized I was probably still in Blythe, and actually fairly close to there, so I guess it makes sense I found them where I did.

 

This is the exact spot I dug them up.

 

[gcsnelling]

antbase.org/ants/publications/8468/8468.pdf

 

if you don't have it is my dads review of Dorymyrmex done in 1995.

[dspdrew]

Awesome. Thanks.