6 replies to this topic

[dspdrew]

Location:  Near Joshua Tree National Park, California.
Habitat:  High Desert/Joshua Tree.

 

I caught only one of the first queen, and about 25 of the second.

 

Queen 1
Coloration, hue and pattern:  All dark brown.
Length:  8mm.
Distinguishing characteristics:  Large eyes.








Queen 2
Coloration, hue and pattern:  Redish-brown head, dark redish-brown thorax and dark brown gaster.
Length:  9mm.

[dspdrew]

Definitely two different species according to Dr. James Trager, but not sure what either species is.

[dspdrew]

It's funny I just found two Crematogaster queens out in the desert last night, and noticed how big their eyes are. I guess I just found a few more of queen #1 in this thread. Maybe I'll get a successful colony out of them this time.

[Foogoo]

Have you gone through the Crematogaster key? I think I have a copy if you need it. I never attempted to ID them since multiple experts call it near impossible.

[dspdrew]

I have. It's impossible for me.

[gcsnelling]

Which key are you using?

[Ender Ants]

This is an old post, but have you found out what Queen 1 is? I'm thinking Queen 2 is Crematogaster hespera, since I've captured a queen like that before.