17 replies to this topic

[gcsnelling]

 The time has once again come to think about attending the Ants of the Southwest course in beautiful Southeastern Arizona. Not only is the entomological fauna fantastic, so is the reptile/amphibian life. However one must also put up with the birders who flock to the place hoping to see a trogon or sparrow. I guess every bit of Paradise has to have at least one serpent in it. This year the class is August 12^th  through the 21 and should be a good time. Please spread the word.

 

https://www.amnh.org...f-the-southwest

Edited by gcsnelling, January 28 2018 - 5:12 AM.

[Jonathan21700]

The link doesn't work for me. 

[T.C.]

I've contemplated this, is there a limited amount of people who can attend?

[Miles]

Here is an updated link: https://www.amnh.org...f-the-southwest

 

I highly recommend that folks apply to attend this. I went a few years ago and it was a fantastic experience with top-notch instructors, all set in one of North America's most biodiverse areas.

Edited by Miles, January 27 2018 - 4:19 PM.

[nurbs]

Here's an excellent video of the seminar, I believe. It's great.

 

Miles is that you asking "what material is this?"

 

[T.C.]

Here's an excellent video of the seminar, I believe. It's great.

 

Miles is that you asking "what material is this?"

 

 

Man, I've watched that video. Prior I had never noticed he is the one who made that documentary, "Empire of the desert ants" (?) And man, how does he get those ant tunnels to look so realistic.

[Miles]

Here's an excellent video of the seminar, I believe. It's great.

 

Miles is that you asking "what material is this?"

I'm sure it was. I'm not going to listen to the whole video to confirm it, though.

Edited by Miles, January 27 2018 - 4:20 PM.

[gcsnelling]

Miles thanks for the link fix. not sure why it bombed on my post.

[gcsnelling]

I've contemplated this, is there a limited amount of people who can attend?

Yes they genereally keep the numbers kind of low, but I am not sure just what the maximum number is.

[EllisWyatt]

I live in Utah, so this wouldn't be very far of a trip. There doesn't seem to be much info on that page you linked, though. Is there somewhere with more direct info about it?

[gcsnelling]

What specific info would you like?

[EllisWyatt]

All the specifics. Where, how much, what's provided, what to bring, what hours each day, etc.

[T.C.]

All the specifics. Where, how much, what's provided, what to bring, what hours each day, etc.

I believe you can expect to pay around 2k, which would include the course, dorm, aND travel costs. That's what it would about be for me.

[gcsnelling]

That info is pretty much covered in the various pdfs etc. Bring clothes for the desert but at 5000 ft. the station can get pretty chilly. Basically there is something going on most of the day and evening, various lectures and field trips.

Edited by gcsnelling, January 28 2018 - 4:45 AM.

[kalimant]

 The time has once again come to think about attending the Ants of the Southwest course in beautiful Southeastern Arizona. Not only is the entomological fauna fantastic, so is the reptile/amphibian life. However one must also put up with the birders who flock to the place hoping to see a trogon or sparrow. I guess every bit of Paradise has to have at least one serpent in it. This year the class is August 12^th  through the 21 and should be a good time. Please spread the word.

 

https://www.amnh.org...f-the-southwest

 

Eh, I wonder whether Portal AZ has Pheidole militicida? It's east of Benson, AZ where I know that species can be found.  Darn thing is one of my dream ants ever since I read the Creighton paper on its habits...

also ,dale's website had some good pics of it:

 

[Miles]

Kalimant, the paper details Pheidole militicia found along the "eastern base of the Chiricahua Mountains, six to nine miles north of Portal, Arizona."

 

Also, trust me, there's no chance to be bored due to the fantastic species found in the Chiricahuas. 

[kalimant]

Also, trust me, there's no chance to be bored due to the fantastic species found in the Chiricahuas. 

 

Thanks, and I'm sure...Arizona is fantastic ant-wise...I was in the Tucson area one time hunting Pheidole spp and Acromyrmex versicolor, and at Organ National Monument looking for Atta mexicana (unfortunately, Organ Pipe is the only place in USA with that species). But the next anting I do is likely in USVI as I"m more focused on invasive species right now....

I do know people love that course, it includes room and board for the entire 10 day stay....looks like Gordon is teaching too ;-) 

 

[gcsnelling]

If all goes well I will be there, however with my recent history of "all going well" I am not holding my breath.

Edited by gcsnelling, February 24 2018 - 6:22 AM.