6 replies to this topic

[Enderz]

I found 8 of these queens today, while I was out anting with StopSpazzing, scrixxx, and Paul. We each got around 8-12 queens before I left, they probably got more as they stayed there later.

(I only stayed till 8:15 and still found 8).

 

 

Location of collection: Chaney Trail, Altadena, CA, USA

 

Date of collection: 3/30/18

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Habitat of collection: Oak forest, but it was on the side of a mountain trail/road near what I think are camponotus sp. workers.

 

Length:  ~15mm

 

Coloration, hue, pattern and texture: Black head and thorax with a rust/orange colored gaster with 1 black stripe on it then it ends with a black tip

 

Distinguishing characteristics: They have 2 anttenae segments (I think) and have no spines. They also have a good amount of hair on their gaster.

Anything else distinctive:  They are very docile and won't instantly run out of the tube.
 

Nest description:  Did not find in nest, found them after flight.

 

Nuptial flight time and date: They flew around 7:00 and 7:30 on 3/30/18 (may be wrong but it was after rain and was hot that day)

 

I suspect that these queens are Camponotus Sansabeanus.

 

 

 

All 8 of my queens in tubes

 

 

Edited by EnderzATwar411, March 30 2018 - 10:49 PM.

[Zeiss]

Yes, these do appear to be Camponotus sansabeanus.  

[gcsnelling]

I spent many, MANY hours hiking that area back in the day. It is nice to know that folks are not still getting shot at up there.

[Enderz]

I spent many, MANY hours hiking that area back in the day. It is nice to know that folks are not still getting shot at up there.

Haha yes, it's a good spot with many camponotus, this was my first time seeing camponotus and at first I thought the workers were queens

Edited by EnderzATwar411, March 31 2018 - 12:23 PM.

[KBant]

The first time I saw a camponotus in person was early last year in Yosemite. I live in Los Angeles where I mostly see argentine and pogonomyrmex in my backyard. Anyways, in Yosemite I too saw workers so big I thought they were queens. Mature camponotus colonies are impressive!

[anttics]

The first time I saw a camponotus in person was early last year in Yosemite. I live in Los Angeles where I mostly see argentine and pogonomyrmex in my backyard. Anyways, in Yosemite I too saw workers so big I thought they were queens. Mature camponotus colonies are impressive!

Same here. I saw my first camp mature colony in Vasquez rocks a few weeks ago. they were camp sansabeanus. I think these are the second biggest apart from Camp. modoc. I found a major that was close to 18mm
also capture a queen who has laid like 10 eggs so far

[anttics]

from what you told me a month should be the time to wait for nanitics. she might have larva now. I'll check next friday.