2 replies to this topic

[Jnew42]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Clinton County, Albany, Kentucky U.S.
2. Date of collection: 22 May 18; About 10 a.m.
3. Habitat of collection: Near residence under some scrap lumber.
4. Length (from head to gaster): 12 to 15 mm or slightly larger than one half inch.
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Dark read head with a lighter red orange thorax and a black gaster with three gray stripes
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Mandible closes completely, forming a wedge shape, sharp bend in antenna at about half their length.
7. Distinguishing behavior: Quick moving, never attempted to jump from the scrap while she was on it.
8. Nest description: Saw no nest close by, but there were small black ants in the area also.

9. Nuptial flight time and date: Unknown.

 

I am fairly new to the hobby, and while I am as close to positive as I can be this is a queen, though I am less sure if she is a Camponotus of some type or if she is a Formica, further it is difficult to identify what species are in this area.

 

 

Thank you in advance for any help.

Edited by Jnew42, May 27 2018 - 10:45 AM.

[Batspiderfish]

Looks like a Myrmentoma subgenus Camponotus queen. We'd need a closer look at the head to identify her further. Are you sure the measurements are accurate?

[Jnew42]

She might have went to 3/4 an inch, but that would be max, I didn't want to disturb her to much as I had nothing at all to put her in so just got a couple quick photo's, but that was really the only good one due to her rapid movements and my crappy phone. Her mandible was prominent though, a wedge that was fully closed with something similar to a lightening bolt pattern is the best I could describe it.

 

EDIT: I found her about six hours before my order of supplies. My luck in fine form.

Edited by Jnew42, May 27 2018 - 11:48 AM.