16 replies to this topic

[JoeyD101]

Ok, so I'm a novice. However, I've been looking pretty regularly and I haven't really been expecting to see much. But I did find an alate, I don't know if it's male or female but it's very small and the only ants I've seen stirring since it started warming up are some tiny little ants that live under all stones and branches etc... Does anyone know what species flys this early in the year in the mountains of North Carolina? Unfortunately, it's so small that I cannot get a useful picture of it. I'd say it's 3 to 4 mm long and it looks to be light brown in color. 

 

I realize this is not going to get me an accurate identification, but there can't be too many species flying right now. It still get's into the 40's at night. Just hoping someone might have some insight. If I can get an idea I may be able to find pics online to ID him/her. Thank you for reading.

[AntsMaryland]

Brachymyrmex species possible?

[JoeyD101]

I have no idea like I said I'm very new to this.

[JoeyD101]

Brachymyrmex species possible?

You may be right, I'm looking at pics of Brachymyrmex online and it looks a lot like depilis. Now I have to find out if those are here.

[AntsMaryland]

Yep. Look on AntWiki.

[JoeyD101]

Wrong color, depilis is yellow. Mine is much darker. One pic showed dark brown but antwiki says they're yellow. 

[AntsMaryland]

ok.

[ZllGGY]

Wrong color, depilis is yellow. Mine is much darker. One pic showed dark brown but antwiki says they're yellow. 

if you go look at my topic i just posted there is a book you can buy that is a guide to identifying north american ants

[JoeyD101]

Thanks.

[noebl1]

Pics and and accurate size will help.  Based on the time of year, Prenolepis imparis would make the most sense (though they are larger), but impossible without following this - http://www.formicult...t-a-new-thread/

[JoeyD101]

I tried to get pics, my phone is less than effective for that. They're just too small. The ant is roughly 4mm though if that helps.

Edited by JoeyD101, February 16 2018 - 12:53 PM.

[AntsMaryland]

Is it the same general body shape as Brachymyrmex depilis?

[AntsMaryland]

could be Brachymyrmex patanonicus. However they are rare in NC.

[Kevin]

We should probably stop throwing random species out as a "possible" identification.

 

There is absolutely no way anyone is going to give you a reasonable guess with your description. Pictures are required for identification. I suggest you buy a clip-on macro lens if you even want anything down to the genus level.

[JoeyD101]

Is it the same general body shape as Brachymyrmex depilis?

Yes.

[JoeyD101]

Whatever they are, there's a colony in my backyard under a rotting piece of wood. I just went out to look at them and try to compare as best I could and there are alates walking around all over the place under the wood. They appear to be the same species from what my eye can tell but apparently, I'll be able to look at them more closely than I thought when I get my scope (which should be here any day). Assuming of course that they don't move away. I tried not to disturb them too much or for too long, but who knows?

Edited by JoeyD101, February 16 2018 - 1:57 PM.

[dermy]

Can you at the very least follow this template?

http://www.formicult...t-a-new-thread/

 

Also pictures are needed most of the time to even get accurate ID Responses.