10 replies to this topic

[B2-Bomber-Ants]

Ok I am new here, but I am quite certain that my queens are either Pheidole or Pognomyrmex. But what are the best ways to tell the difference with just the reference of the Queen. Most my Queens died and I only have one left. But I still have the dead ones (one which is male) to view closely, but I cannot upload pics as photography isn't allowed where they are housed.

[gcsnelling]

Well start by answering these questions.

 

http://www.formicult...t-a-new-thread/

[B2-Bomber-Ants]

1. Location: Palmdale, CA (Plant 42) Near a puddle of water they were attracted to.

 

2. Date of Collection: Sept 5th, 2017 at Approx. 3pm

 

3. Habitat: High Desert, Live in dirt with multiple entrances

 

4. Length: Queen-exactly 1/2 of an inch

 

5. Coloration: Dark red almost black head, Dark red Thorax lighter than head, Dark red Gaster that goes from light to dark and light again

 

6. Distinguishing Characteristics: Two Petiole Nodes, Small spine on rear of Thorax, Possible spine or sharp edge on 1st Petiole Node, Head shape almost heart shaped, eyes small compared to head.

 

7. Other Distinctive Characteristics: Shows aggressive behavior when approached, more rounded Gaster than oval, kind of shiny Gaster

 

8. Nest Description: Nearby colonies live in regular dirt with multiple entrances

 

9. Nuptial Flight: Not sure when it started, but I caught them on Sept 5th at 3pm, some had wings (most didn't), males were present, some where already trying to dig holes. The next day there was practically no presence of them.

[Ender Ants]

1. Location: Palmdale, CA (Plant 42) Near a puddle of water they were attracted to.

 

2. Date of Collection: Sept 5th, 2017 at Approx. 3pm

 

3. Habitat: High Desert, Live in dirt with multiple entrances

 

4. Length: Queen-exactly 1/2 of an inch

 

5. Coloration: Dark red almost black head, Dark red Thorax lighter than head, Dark red Gaster that goes from light to dark and light again

 

6. Distinguishing Characteristics: Two Petiole Nodes, Small spine on rear of Thorax, Possible spine or sharp edge on 1st Petiole Node, Head shape almost heart shaped, eyes small compared to head.

 

7. Other Distinctive Characteristics: Shows aggressive behavior when approached, more rounded Gaster than oval, kind of shiny Gaster

 

8. Nest Description: Nearby colonies live in regular dirt with multiple entrances

 

9. Nuptial Flight: Not sure when it started, but I caught them on Sept 5th at 3pm, some had wings (most didn't), males were present, some where already trying to dig holes. The next day there was practically no presence of them.

I'd say that they would be pheidole, because of the 'heart shaped' head. I still have a lot to learn about ID'ing ants too, but those are my thoughts.

[LC3]

Maybe Pheidole obtusospinosa or Pheidole hirtula (random guess)?

[Canadian anter]

Looking at the size, I would say Pogonomyrmex

[B2-Bomber-Ants]

After more extensive research, I am going to side with Canadian Anter.

 

Based on the local wild colonies, I notice that all the workers are quite large but of the same size, which Pheidole have minor and major workers. Also Pheidole Queens have more oblong Gasters. So the real quest now would be what type of Pogonomyrmex resides in California. I would like to break my ID down to the exact species.

[gcsnelling]

Out there at that locality there should be only two Pogonomyrmex species. So these are either Pogonomyrmex californicus or P. rugosus.

[B2-Bomber-Ants]

 

 

This looks exactly like my Queen, so I guess she is P. rugosus

[dspdrew]

Yes, P. rugosus. Pheidole are tiny ants.

[B2-Bomber-Ants]

Well Thanks for the help, Check out my journal (Game of Thrones) about them