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Photo

Queen ID 3 - Atlanta, Georgia - 6/3/18

Started By KalenH , Jun 3 2018 9:57 AM

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7 replies to this topic

#1 Offline KalenH - Posted June 3 2018 - 9:57 AM

KalenH

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Hello Ant Wizards,

 

I believe I probably have a camponotus worker. It doesn't seem big enough to be a queen but I think I see wing mounts so i'm checking with ya'll. I'm curious to know what species it is because this is a first sighting of this type in my yard.

 

Thank you for your time,

Kalen

 

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Sharpsburg, Georgia Zip: 30277
2. Date of collection: 6.3.18
3. Habitat of collection: Southside Atlanta suburbs are carved out of forest.
4. Length (from head to gaster): 1cm? https://imgur.com/eGkGIEB

5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: matte orange/brown, polished black gaster.


6. Distinguishing characteristics: It has the vertical spike between the thorax and gaster. The thorax doesn't have the smoother rounding i understand camponotus to have. I see scarring on the back where I would expect wings could have been mounted.

 

7. Distinguishing behavior: Was traveling alone, quickly, in an area where i've been checking for the past month. It doesn't match any of the known local nests.

 

8. Nest description: NA

 

9. Nuptial flight time and date: NA

[Images of ant]

Top

https://imgur.com/TAGQ3AL

Side

https://imgur.com/F1w0tR0

Side 2

https://imgur.com/k6FQnfV

Side 3

https://imgur.com/tDi489p

Side 4

https://imgur.com/hKweqx6

[Images of nest]
 
[Images of habitat]

 

Solenopsis Invicta x Richtera - Queen, 20 workers. 

Pheidole Bicarinata - Queen, 5 workers.
Formica Palledefulva - Queen with eggs.

Pseudomyrmex Pallidus - Queen, No Eggs.

 

#2 Offline Aaron567 - Posted June 3 2018 - 10:02 AM

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It is a Formica queen. Looks to be one of the socially parasitic species.


#3 Offline Batspiderfish - Posted June 3 2018 - 10:36 AM

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Formica social parasites need about 6 Formica pupae in order to start a colony. I would get a picture of the front of the head to make sure she isn't from the sanguinea group (although based on the time of year that is unlikely.) Only a few such species are suitable for captivity since raiding Formica are often dependent on host workers. Rufa group should be fine, though.


  • KalenH likes this

If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.

 

Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.

 

----

Black lives still matter.

#4 Offline KalenH - Posted June 3 2018 - 11:11 AM

KalenH

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Sure, more photos are attached.

 

Depending on what it is - is it worth a shot? I've got some s.invicta that will be established in two weeks for a temporary parasite.to try to enslave, I also have some fairly large formica mounds in the neighborhood I could steal 6 pupae from if that is an option?

 

Thanks

 

Head-Side

https://imgur.com/NTDsP97

 

Head-Top

https://imgur.com/zIRFTUr

Head Top 2

https://imgur.com/H5kwsmu

Head Top 3

https://imgur.com/2GmGg7l

Head Top 4

https://imgur.com/GJbYlBy


Solenopsis Invicta x Richtera - Queen, 20 workers. 

Pheidole Bicarinata - Queen, 5 workers.
Formica Palledefulva - Queen with eggs.

Pseudomyrmex Pallidus - Queen, No Eggs.

 

#5 Offline KalenH - Posted June 4 2018 - 7:04 AM

KalenH

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Any additional thoughts on this? I ended up finding three of them yesterday.


Solenopsis Invicta x Richtera - Queen, 20 workers. 

Pheidole Bicarinata - Queen, 5 workers.
Formica Palledefulva - Queen with eggs.

Pseudomyrmex Pallidus - Queen, No Eggs.

 

#6 Offline Batspiderfish - Posted June 4 2018 - 7:19 AM

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Not ideal pictures, but I can't see a clypeal notch, so probably not from the sanguinea group.


  • KalenH likes this

If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.

 

Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.

 

----

Black lives still matter.

#7 Offline KalenH - Posted June 4 2018 - 8:00 AM

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I've had to learn how focusing works with my phone's camera, I feel these are a little better but I think i've hit the resolution threshold for my phone. 

 

https://imgur.com/ZPLT59U

https://imgur.com/xfcXumH

https://imgur.com/9GW7NZ5

https://imgur.com/kr8MCt0

https://imgur.com/6WJkAmE

 

Thanks Again,

Kalen


Solenopsis Invicta x Richtera - Queen, 20 workers. 

Pheidole Bicarinata - Queen, 5 workers.
Formica Palledefulva - Queen with eggs.

Pseudomyrmex Pallidus - Queen, No Eggs.

 

#8 Offline Batspiderfish - Posted June 4 2018 - 8:41 AM

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Yeah, definitely rufa group.


  • KalenH likes this

If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.

 

Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.

 

----

Black lives still matter.

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