Came home from school, let the dog out, saw something crawling around. It's a queen! I got really excited, didn't expect to find a Pogonomyrmex queen in my backyard. Really lucky to find her before the Argentine ants got to her, didn't expect any more nuptial flights or queens this year too. She's also a new species to me so here's an ID thread. Got some good pictures for you guys.
1. Location of collection: In my backyard in Fontana, CA.
2. Date of collection: 10/05/17
3. Habitat of collection: Backyard with green grass and potted plants
4. Length: 9mm
5. Coloration, hue, pattern and texture: Orange color throughout. Black bands on abdomen segments and the next. Hair everywhere. It has a beard under the head.
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Two petioles with second attached to abdomen. No spines on thorax. I counted 12 antenna segments. It is clear in one of the pictures.
7. Anything else distinctive: Gaster size is small so it's probably semi-claustral. Similar size to Pogonomyrmex subnitidus but lacking spines.
8. Nest description: N/A
9. Nuptial flight time and date: N/A
10 . Pictures:
11: Habitat of collection:
