6 replies to this topic

[fleetingyouth]

Found the first one being carried off by a carpenter ant. Male alate maybe?

 

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Boston, MA

2. Date of collection: 07/19/18

3. Habitat of collection:Sidewalk 

4. Length (from head to gaster): 10-11mm 

5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: All Black maybe a tint of green

6. Distinguishing characteristics: 

7. Distinguishing behavior:

8. Nest description: 

9. Nuptial flight time and date: 

 

Found this one scurrying around on the sidewalk. Can't tell if its a carpenter worker or what

 

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Boston, MA

2. Date of collection: 07/19/18

3. Habitat of collection:Sidewalk

4. Length (from head to gaster): 14-15mm 

5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: All Black striped gaster

6. Distinguishing characteristics: 

7. Distinguishing behavior:

8. Nest description: 

9. Nuptial flight time and date: 

 

 

[Major]

Ant number 2 is Formica Fusca. Ant Numbers one is not an ant at all. Good job with the Formica Fusca catch!

[fleetingyouth]

Wow thanks, of the 15 ant queens I've caught this summer this is only the second species haha.  total random catch too I almost didn't grab it. 

I thought the 1st one might not be an ant but it looks like it has the right parts. Wasp species maybe?

Here is another pic to make sure. 

[Major]

Don't release it yet, I could be wrong. Have someone give you the ok.

[Zxirl]

That is definitely a male alate ant of some species. It is difficult to ID males however.

[AntsAreUs]

I actually think both of these are Formica subsericea, the male and queen. Are you sure your measurements are correct?

Edited by AntsAreUs, July 19 2018 - 8:02 PM.

[fleetingyouth]

I just measured both of them. The possible male alate which was dead when I found it. is 10-11mm but very narrow and thin. 

 

The larger queen is more accurately 11-12mm but very thick and fat.