13 replies to this topic

[Hikari]

I'm new at this, and this is my first ant catch, so I hope y'all can help me make a positive ID. I'd like to know if I snagged a queen (I think I did?), and from some Googling I'm pretty sure it's Camponotus, but I'm not sure which kind.

 

1. Location of collection: McDonald, Ohio (in NE part of the state), found on porch.

2. Date of collection: 5/18/2017, around 1am

3. Habitat of collection: Yard has grass and small wooded areas.

4. Length (from head to gaster): 17 mm

5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Shiny black, with gold hairs and shiny gold stripes on gaster in the light.

6. Distinguishing characteristics: BIG. (Sorry, new and not very good at this. See pics)

7. Distinguishing behavior: Very gentle. Held her in my hand with no biting before I managed to get her into a collection container. Didn't like test tube at first, chewed at cotton. Settled down quickly in the dark though.

8. Nest description: N/A, was found wandering alone on wooden porch.

 

Pictures were taken under a natural light lamp with magnifier to try and help since my phone camera is pretty bad. Hope they're good enough.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Spamdy]

Camponotus pennyslavicus is my guess, your test tube is too small btw.

[Hikari]

Thanks! Yeah, I'm going to get a bigger tube. I wasn't expecting to catch such a massive ant when I did, lol. Wasn't prepared at all. They sell "treat tubes" at the craft store for candy that are wider and will make a more suitable home for this girl, since I can't seem to find a local place that sells normal test tubes. Wanted to make sure it was a queen before running out and grabbing them, although I guess they'd be good to have on-hand regardless.

Edited by Hikari, May 18 2017 - 1:00 PM.

[Nathant2131]

Camponotus pennsylvanicus queen.

Edited by Nathant2131, May 21 2017 - 6:41 AM.

[Hikari]

Thanks for the ID! I'm heading out to get her some new tubes. I hope things go well. I've heard this type of ant takes a while to get established, but I'm patient. If anything, gives me more time to plan everything out.

[BMM]

It might be the lighting, but the legs look red in a few of those pictures. If that's the case, this could be Camponotus chromaiodes.

[Hikari]

I double-checked, and I don't see any red on her. Might just be the lighting, it's super bright, possibly shining through her tiny legs?. In normal room lighting, she's solid black save for the tiny gold bands.

Also, I found new, much bigger glass test tubes, so she'll be much happier (my local Michael's had them for $1 each...who knew?). Plenty of space for her and her future brood/workers, but not TOO much room, since she needs to be closed in. Anyways, she wasn't happy being moved (again), so I'm going to leave her be as much as possible now that I know she's taken care of. She's my first queen, so I really want her to pull through for me. I'll check her in a few days now that she's settled in for the long haul.

[Batspiderfish]

As long as she can turn around, the tube should be fine.

[Antking117]

I double-checked, and I don't see any red on her. Might just be the lighting, it's super bright, possibly shining through her tiny legs?. In normal room lighting, she's solid black save for the tiny gold bands.

Also, I found new, much bigger glass test tubes, so she'll be much happier (my local Michael's had them for $1 each...who knew?). Plenty of space for her and her future brood/workers, but not TOO much room, since she needs to be closed in. Anyways, she wasn't happy being moved (again), so I'm going to leave her be as much as possible now that I know she's taken care of. She's my first queen, so I really want her to pull through for me. I'll check her in a few days now that she's settled in for the long haul.

http://www.formicult...ide/#entry25326

[Hikari]

Oh, wow, thanks for the link! I don't know yet if I'll make or purchase a bigger formicarium if/when I make it that far, but this'll be good for research. I'm sure the other links will be useful as well.

Edited by Hikari, May 19 2017 - 11:27 PM.

[Antking117]

Oh, wow, thanks for the link! I don't know yet if I'll make or purchase a bigger formicarium if/when I make it that far, but this'll be good for research. I'm sure the other links will be useful as well.

check out the prices of the lcm lab test tubes.. highly recommended.

[Hikari]

Oh, woooow, that's cheap, lol. I'll definitely keep them in mind if I need more. As of right now, I have three extra I bought on-hand. Not sure if I'll even need those. It'll depend on how my queen-hunts go. The temps dipped down again after a thunderstorm blew through, but I'm hoping maybe something will fly in a few days once it warms up again. I hate Ohio...the weather is so crazy. I also have a few rotting logs I've spotted in my backyard I plan on keeping an eye out on, and might try tearing up a few bits to see what I find. I know there are more Camponotus around here SOMEWHERE cause I've seen two or three sneaking into the house again, lol. Always happens when it gets cold and wet outside. Hilarious that we have ant traps around the house, and I'm keeping one as a pet.

[PKnaak]

What size test tube is ideal for this Queen. I believe I have 3 of these. They have laid their eggs this spring, and have the nanatecs from last fall. I believe the setup I have them in is good but want a second opinion. Thank you

[Hikari]

From what Batspiderfish told me in this thread, as long as she can turn around, she'll be fine.