4 replies to this topic

[Shaye]

Found this worker in Chorpis Christi TX today (9/27). Located in a field area with sparse foliage, particularly next to a large constructed shed, and a tree. Freshly moved debris around as well.
It was on my boot at a job and at first was thinking it was a stray longhorn ant, but upon picking it up noticed a sharp looking appendage where it’s mouth is. It is about half its body length and is kept tucked underneath, but when offered diluted honey it immediately folds down to drink with. Never heard of or seen such a species here, so was hoping for some help. Its body is about 6mm with antenna at 4.5mm.The appendage is approximately 2.5-3mm long. Very mild mannered and calm. Black abdomen and head, dark reddish brown thorax that gets to a lighter orange yellow towards the head, has a spike on each upper ‘shoulder’ of thorax. No distinguishable petiole node (as far as I can tell), but a clear stripe runs horizontal on the petiole itself as if the abdomen were cut off.
http://www.formicult...ntified-worker/
None of the pictures are perfect, but hopefully will show enough.

Let me know if I missed anything that could help, and thank you in advance.

Edited by Shaye, September 26 2018 - 11:32 PM.

[drtrmiller]

Since no ants have piercing/sucking mouthparts like that, the only possibility is some kind of ant mimic.  Very cool find.

[gcsnelling]

True bug nymph.

[Shaye]

I’ve seen an almost innumerable amount of ant-mimic insects, but this is the first to have fooled me with such flawless behavioral mimicry, and extremely similar body adaptations. Thank you both

Edited by Shaye, September 27 2018 - 9:25 AM.

[LC3]

Some sort of broad headed bug probably (Alydidae)