4 replies to this topic

[JohnTX]

Looking for help in confirming ID, thanks for any help you can give.  I believe these are Crematogaster. 

 

This was a "gift with purchase" that was included when I bought two Camponotus last Fall, so I don't have all the info.  She has done well with ~20 workers now.

 

Queen is getting really stressed with just pictures and light, so can't get a good measurement or picture.  I don't want to push her.

 

Thanks!

1. Location of collection:  Central TX, rural area.

2. Date of collection: summer 2017
3. Habitat of collection: Unknown
4. Length (to the nearest millimeter or 1/16th of an inch.)  Workers 3-4mm; Queen ~10mm.
5. Coloration, hue, pattern and texture: dark brown gaster, translucent brown body.
6. Distinguishing characteristics:  2 nodes with spine
7. Anything else distinctive:  very shy queen, workers swarm into outworld when disturbed.  Workers lift gasters high when stressed.

 

 

 

[nurbs]

Welcome! Yep, looks like Crematogaster.

[VoidElecent]

Welcome! Yep, looks like Crematogaster.

 

Seconded. An identification down to the species level is essentially impossible; you'd need intense magnification.

[JohnTX]

Thanks for the confirmation!

[kellakk]

Very nice! Definitely Crematogaster.  If this colony ever gets large enough that you're willing to sacrifice some workers, you should send some my way. I can identify them for you under my lab microscope.