6 replies to this topic

[Aquaexploder]

I have noticed that their aren't really any reference sources for ant species in Rhode Island specifically. Their are some for New England (thanks Nathant for the book recommendation) but none specifically for Rhode Island. So I will keep track of them here. If you are from Rhode Island or came to Rhode Island and have identified a species not on this list feel free to add it.

Edited by Aquaexploder, June 8 2017 - 11:03 AM.

[Nathant2131]

Antmaps.org would show a list of species in RI.

[Aquaexploder]

Prenolepis imparis(x3) April 9-10 without wings, temp unknown, time 4:00pm

Lasius interjectus May 17 w/wings, temp 75, time 7:50pm

Lasius umbratus May 17 without wings, temp 75, time 7:50pm

Most likely Camponotus nearcticus, but could be Camponotus caryae, May 21, without wings, temp unknown, time 12:00pm

Unknown Myrmica queen May 24 without wings, temp 67, time 4:50pm. "Most likely forging away from nest for unknown reason"

[Aquaexploder]

Antmaps.org would show a list of species in RI.

Oh wow never came across this site before. Thanks! But just for the record I'll continue this journal, who knows maybe I will find I species that is unknown to Rhode Island.

Edited by Aquaexploder, June 8 2017 - 11:22 AM.

[Nathant2131]

The Myrmica queen you found was likely a mated queen that flew last year who did not have workers yet and was foraging for her brood .(they are semi-claustral)

[Aquaexploder]

The Myrmica queen you found was likely a mated queen that flew last year who did not have workers yet and was foraging for her brood .(they are semi-claustral)

Oh ok nice to know.

[Cameron C. Thomas]

If Nathant recommended Ellison et al.'s A Field Guide to the Ants of New England, that resource breaks down species occurrences by county in New England, so you'll be able to see if a species had been collected in whichever Rhode Island county you're interested in--prior to the book's publication, of course. The website antmaps.org, as Nathant suggested, is another excellent resource. 

 

Both of these resources are based on existing museum collections and published accounts. Since insects don't recognize geographic boundaries, i.e., county and state lines, it's also important to take into account natural history due to holes in collections. For example, if a species you're interested in is listed on either side of your county, chances are it's probably also in your county, or if it occurs just on the other side of the border in Massachusetts, chances are it's also in Rhode Island. Since collections are location specific, there just isn't a specimen from that county in the collection. That said, it could also be a legitimate range boundary, but keep those things in mind.