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#1 Offline Zpyzix - Posted August 17 2017 - 9:55 AM

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Hello, I just caught these two new queens yesterday night. They were everywhere in Baltimore and for some reason they really loved resting on top of my car. 

 

https://drive.google...UURicG1EbzhCUzg

 

https://drive.google...bEw3eUdVeE1RTEE

 

https://drive.google...SVFQb2k1Y2E4Zlk

 

https://drive.google...RGZVOEh3a2d4dUk

 

https://drive.google...OTcxQnpqU2tQX1k

 

Apologize if I didn't get the best shots, I didn't want them to be exposed to flash too much and it's hard to focus on such a tiny object with a phone camera. 

 

Today I noticed they took off their wings and are grooming themselves which I'm guessing is a good sign that they're settling in! I previously had Tetramorium E queens that I caught earlier in the summer but they weren't pregnant it seemed and weren't as interested, so I am excited!

 

I think they're either Brachymyrmex Depillis or another person on reddit suggested it was Solenopsis molesta but ant wiki says they aren't in MD unless they moved up recently. 

 

Thank you in advance!



#2 Offline VoidElecent - Posted August 17 2017 - 10:17 AM

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Solenopsis molesta, remember to add measurements next time.


Edited by VoidElecent, August 17 2017 - 10:17 AM.


#3 Offline Nathant2131 - Posted August 17 2017 - 10:30 AM

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Solenopsis molesta, remember to add measurements next time.

Could also be a closely related species like Solenopsis carolinensis or Solenopsis texana. But S. molesta is the most common of the thief ants here.



#4 Offline VoidElecent - Posted August 17 2017 - 10:41 AM

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Solenopsis molesta, remember to add measurements next time.

Could also be a closely related species like Solenopsis carolinensis or Solenopsis texana. But S. molesta is the most common of the thief ants here.

 

 

Solenopsis carolinensis and Solenopsis texana are noticeably larger than S. molesta, not to mention their inherent endemicitiy to the states much farther south than Maryland. S. molesta queens are also known for their dark-light coloration gradient; with dark brown to even black heads to bright yellow gasters.

 

I guess there's always a chance this isn't S. molesta, so you could label it as Solenopsis cf. molesta if it makes you feel better.



#5 Offline Zpyzix - Posted August 17 2017 - 11:09 AM

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Solenopsis molesta, remember to add measurements next time.

Sorry for not including them, I could try measuring them now but I'm afraid I'd hurt them or spook them.

 

Since its very confident that its Solenopsis. I have two queens, each in seperate test tubes. I read they're Polygynous, should I put them in one test tube so they can work together or is it too late?

 

Thanks for your help.


Edited by Zpyzix, August 17 2017 - 11:09 AM.


#6 Offline FeedTheAnts - Posted August 17 2017 - 12:33 PM

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Since its very confident that its Solenopsis. I have two queens, each in seperate test tubes. I read they're Polygynous, should I put them in one test tube so they can work together or is it too late?

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Most people do with this species, I would if I were you. No, it is not too late.


I accidentally froze all my ants 


#7 Offline Zpyzix - Posted August 17 2017 - 5:11 PM

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I was able to open both test tubes and stack both open ends together and one queen ant went to investigate and went over to the other side. The two tapped each other very rapidly with their antennae and proceed to run around the moisture side of the cotton. I think they're settling in. Thanks guys!






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