Buck Meadows, Mariposa County, CA
6/19/2019
1. Location of collection: This major was located at the entrance to Merced Groves Trail Head, in Yosemite Park. It appeared to be out foraging about 20 feet from it’s nest, which was near Buck Meadows, in Mariposa County, CA. at mid-day.
2. Date of collection: 6/19/19
3. Habitat of collection: It was on a path in a small meadow, surrounded by forest. The meadow had long wild grass, and fairly moist grounds.
4. Length: It appears to be 14-15mm.
5. Coloration, hue, pattern and texture: It is jet black, with a single petiole. It has a large head, and large mandibles. You can see shavings of plastic in the picture from where it worked at tearing its way out of the plastic container.
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Its basic distinguishing feature was its size when next to the other smaller workers, which were also pitch black in color.
7. Anything else distinctive: mainly its size
8. Nest description: The nest was only about 20 feet away, dig into the ground. It was in the open, not next to a rock or piece of wood.
9. Nuptial flight time and date: This is unknown to me, and did not seem to be going on at that time.
