17 replies to this topic

[Amethystlynx]

Just got into the idea of antkeeping about a month ago and happened to see this girl running along the grass. If someone can tell me what species it is and if it's a queen? ( I believe it is which is why I grabbed by it but I may be gender blind)

Fount: August 17th
Location Central Alabama
Fount in: Lawn grass in direct sunlight semi-humid day.

Also is it the species that need to be fed while the making their eggs or is it the one that metabolizes their muscles ?

 

 

 

Edited by Amethystlynx, August 21 2018 - 1:53 PM.

[EthanNgo678]

We can't id without pictures.

[Major]

deleted

Edited by Major, August 21 2018 - 1:57 PM.

[Amethystlynx]

Ya realized that I was fixing it, files were being finicky.

[Major]

deleted

Edited by Major, August 21 2018 - 4:51 PM.

[AntsAreUs]

It is Pheidole in the pilifera group. They are fully claustral.

[Enderz]

It looks like a claustral queen, the one that metabolizes it's own muscles. At first glance I wouls guess some type of Solenopsis species, but take that with a grain of salt.

[Amethystlynx]

Anything specific I should know or recommendations on how to care for that species? 

 

I'll probably do a quick search myself but It would be nice to know if they

are the kind that can't climb glass and stuff like that etc.

[Major]

deleted 

Edited by Major, August 21 2018 - 4:51 PM.

[AntsAreUs]

Anything specific I should know or recommendations on how to care for that species? 

 

I'll probably do a quick search myself but It would be nice to know if they

are the kind that can't climb glass and stuff like that etc.

They do like sand if you can provide it. My Pheidole can't climb but do take precautions anyway as the minor workers might be able to.

Edited by AntsAreUs, August 21 2018 - 2:02 PM.

[Major]

Anything specific I should know or recommendations on how to care for that species? 
 
I'll probably do a quick search myself but It would be nice to know if they
are the kind that can't climb glass and stuff like that etc.

She is fully clausteral meaning she doesn't have to be fed during the founding stage. Put her in a test tube and leave her alone for a while. This species is hard to contain due to small worker size. They are also extremely polymorphic meaning they have majors.

[Amethystlynx]

Ok, thanks for the info! I was gonna make a natural formicarium from something like a fishbowl when the first generation comes in. I'll make sure to take precautions on the small ant size and  put in some sand when it finally happens.

[gcsnelling]

This looks like Solenopsis richteri. However the images are not good enough to be sure.

[FeedTheAnts]

I agree with gscnelling. It is totally not Pheidole imo. It is definitely a species of Solenopsis, probably richteri. Those slight red spots on it's gaster are the giveaway.

[Spamdy]

Solenopsis sp. definitely not Pheidole.

[AntsAreUs]

Oops, I was wrong. I agree with Solenopsis

.

Edited by AntsAreUs, August 21 2018 - 3:14 PM.

[Amethystlynx]

Anything I need to know if it's not pheidole? Is it still clausteral ?

Would it be bad to disturb it more than I already have to get more pictures as well?
For identification?

Edited by Amethystlynx, August 21 2018 - 3:24 PM.

[Major]

nvm, i was also wrong.