5 replies to this topic

[Lazarus]

Here is a queen that was found Today. I suspect Formica (Fusca?), but really don't know

1. Location of collection: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
2. Date of collection: 15 July 2018
3. Habitat of collection: City Sidewalk of well treed neighborhood
4. Length: 8.5mm (tip of gaster to head)
5. Coloration, hue, pattern and texture: All black with reddish joints
6. Distinguishing characteristics: None

 

 

[Batspiderfish]

We'll need to see how much silvery hair she has on her gaster, which is best viewed a little from the side and with good lighting. A photograph of the front of the head will also be helpful.

[Lazarus]

Hard to get a picture as requested. Does this picture help? Not a good one I know.

 

Did not notice any silvery (or otherwise) hair on gaster. (The fuzz in picture is from cotton)

Is that info needed to determine if it is a Formica or just whether it is a Fusca (or something else)?

 

Went out in the afternoon and found four more of these.At least I think they are the same. I have to sit in good light and give them all a good look to see if they are in fact the same species.

 

Edited by Lazarus, July 15 2018 - 4:25 PM.

[Lazarus]

Here is another picture that hopefully helps.

Formica?

Formica Fusca?

 

[Zxirl]

Yes, it is Formica sp. for sure. It does look similar to F. fusca. However, F. fusca is not believed to be found in North America per Article p515-529 .

A lateral (side-shot) of her gaster is helpful for identifying specific species of Formica in the fusca grouping.


 

Edited by Zxirl, July 19 2018 - 7:15 PM.

[Lazarus]

Just an update that the first 5 queens of this Formica Spp. all now have brood! 3 More test tubes (2 which were caught later) have yet to eclose.