5 replies to this topic

[AntsAreUs]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Marion, IN
2. Date of collection: 5/15/18
3. Habitat of collection: Side of house
4. Length (from head to gaster): 9 mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: black with slight coloration in legs
6. Distinguishing characteristics: 
7. Distinguishing behavior: 
8. Nest description: N/A

9. Nuptial flight time and date: N/A

 

[Canadian anter]

Funny. I just read up on these today. Those are Secretergates of Formica that I'm too lazy to key

 

https://www.ameisenw...tergate_/_Viren

Edited by Canadian anter, May 15 2018 - 6:20 PM.

[AntsAreUs]

Funny. I just read up on these today. Those are Secretergates of Formica that I'm too lazy to key

 

https://www.ameisenw...tergate_/_Viren

Reading up on those, that seems really strange. Are they basically just infected workers that end up with queen like features?

[Martialis]

This seems like a pretty normal worker to me.

[AntsAreUs]

This seems like a pretty normal worker to me.

The thorax is enlarged due to labial gland disease that infect various Formica sp. This worker is rather queen looking which was kind of confusing to me.

[Jonathan21700]

Great find! I also found two in spider webs some time ago thinking they might be Proformica but thanks to Dr. A. Buschinger and a guy from the italian forum I got them Identified. The thing is from what I read before there are three types one called "Secretergate" (infected workers), "Secretogyne" (queens) and "Secretaner" (males). Not sure exactly what our specimens are either queens or workers. 

 

Formica cinerea 

Edited by Jonathan21700, May 22 2018 - 9:36 AM.