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Solenopsis? Or Pheidole?

solenopsis pheidole big headed ants queen ant fire ants

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6 replies to this topic

#1 Offline Ender Ants - Posted September 15 2017 - 8:34 PM

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I've caught 3 queen ants that I think are Solenopsis, but many people are saying that they are Pheidole. What do you guys think?

 
Coloration: Dark Red- Thorax/Head
Yellowish/Orangish, with black lines- Gaster/Abdomen area
 
Body Description: Very large jaws
Somewhat flat at the top of their thorax's
Two dots on the side of their wings (one on each)
 
Length: 7-8 mm
 
Location: Park, in Nevada. Park is right next to a very large empty area, which contains rocks, sand, and small brush
 
Time: Around 8:00 PM 
 
Date: September 10, 2017
 
Here are some pictures:
 
 
 
 
 
(These pictures were taken from a video that I made. Here is the video if you want to check it out, or if it could help you identify them)
 
 
Hope I gave as much information as I can, for people to identify them! Much appreciated!
 


#2 Offline FeedTheAnts - Posted September 16 2017 - 6:14 AM

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I say Pheidole.


I accidentally froze all my ants 


#3 Offline Salmon - Posted September 16 2017 - 6:37 AM

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The mandibles definitely look more like Pheidole.


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#4 Offline Ender Ants - Posted October 1 2017 - 6:43 PM

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The mandibles definitely look more like Pheidole.

Yeah, I've decided that they are pheidole, but I think that their exact species may be:
 

Pheidole Californicus

or Pheidole Xerophila

 

What do you say?


Edited by Ender Ants, October 1 2017 - 6:43 PM.


#5 Offline Ender Ants - Posted October 1 2017 - 6:44 PM

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I say Pheidole.

Yeah, I think that they are Pheidole. But their exact species that I think would be:
 

Pheidole Californicus

or Pheidole Xerophila

 

What do you think?



#6 Offline MegaMyrmex - Posted October 2 2017 - 3:46 AM

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Definitely pheidole, the jaws and head are the biggest giveaway.

Proverbs 6:6-8 New International Version (NIV)

Go to the ant, you sluggard;
    consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
    no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
    and gathers its food at harvest.

 


#7 Offline Batspiderfish - Posted October 2 2017 - 4:32 AM

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Photographs are better for identification, since a 1080p video produces a measly 2.1 megapixel image.


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.

 

----

Black lives still matter.






Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: solenopsis, pheidole, big headed ants, queen ant, fire ants

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