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Rochester Mi. USA 7/31/16 Formica sp. i think

formica subsericea

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#1 Offline Loops117 - Posted July 31 2016 - 6:12 PM

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I think they're Formica subsericea but i could be wrong.

 


1. Location of collection: Under a large brick. Next to a very large Lasius colony.

2. Date of collection: 7/31/16
3. Habitat of collection: Soggy woods. Heavy brush, not too much sun.
4. Length: 5~6mm Just an eyeball though. Don't have a unit of measurement off hand.
5. Coloration, hue, pattern and texture: All black, looks to have tiny hairs on gaster.
6. Distinguishing characteristics: 3 Queens, that's pretty distinguishing other then the other information i added.
7. Anything else distinctive : no
8. Nest description :Up flat against a large brick Some holes going down.. Prolly more queens, and a much larger colony down the holes.
 

20160731_215422.jpg

 

 



#2 Offline Saftron - Posted July 31 2016 - 6:47 PM

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Too me it looks like F. Subsericea. But I would wait for someone else who can identify better than me.



#3 Offline Batspiderfish - Posted August 1 2016 - 9:03 AM

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Formica argentea is abundant in North Central North America, although Formica subsericea is still a possibility. Both of these Formica have silvery, hairy gasters up to the third tergite (F. subsericea) or the fourth tergite (F. argentea) and have antennal scapes longer than the length of the head (excluding mandibles). You'll probably need to look at them through a microscope to differentiate them for sure (Formica subsericea has tiny elongated punctures (like depressions) on its cheeks, which is not evident in F. argentea).


  • AntsMAN likes this

If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.

 

Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.

 

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Black lives still matter.






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