Jump to content

  • Chat
  •  
  •  

Welcome to Formiculture.com!

This is a website for anyone interested in Myrmecology and all aspects of finding, keeping, and studying ants. The site and forum are free to use. Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation points to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!

Photo

Boise Idaho, USA 6/18/18


Best Answer LC3 , June 18 2018 - 11:09 PM

I agree on Formica obscuripes.

All you need is around 6 or so Formica spp. worker pupae. Go to the full post


  • Please log in to reply
4 replies to this topic

#1 Offline SelfDeludedFool - Posted June 18 2018 - 11:31 AM

SelfDeludedFool

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 16 posts
1. Location (on a map) of collection:

Boise Idaho, lower end of the Boise National Forest, near the Bogus Basin Ski Resort.

2. Date of collection:

6/12/18

3. Habitat of collection:

Pine Forest

4. Length (from head to gaster):

About 10-11 mm

5. Color, hue, pattern and texture:

Glossy black gaster, mixed red/black thorax, with a dark red head.

6. Distinguishing characteristics:

One petiole node. The head and body proportions make me think formica but I'm unsure.

7. Distinguishing behavior:

Very fast, especially for a Queen, probably the most difficult capture I have ever experienced.
















#2 Offline Aaron567 - Posted June 18 2018 - 11:41 AM

Aaron567

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 1,005 posts
  • LocationPensacola, FL

It is a Formica queen. Western US has so many Formica species so I don't know exactly which one but someone else probably knows.



#3 Offline SelfDeludedFool - Posted June 18 2018 - 11:48 AM

SelfDeludedFool

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 16 posts

It is a Formica queen. Western US has so many Formica species so I don't know exactly which one but someone else probably knows.


That's about what I had gathered as well. I'm almost certain now that it's Formica obscuripes, coleration and size fit, as well as distribution. That leaves me with another issue, however. I've just read that they are psuedo parasitic with their own species. A young queen will invade an existing colony and eventually drive off the existing queen or kill her. If this is Formica obscuripes, will I need to round up some workers for her?

Edited by SelfDeludedFool, June 18 2018 - 11:49 AM.


#4 Offline LC3 - Posted June 18 2018 - 11:09 PM   Best Answer

LC3

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 1,323 posts
  • LocationBC, Canada
I agree on Formica obscuripes.

All you need is around 6 or so Formica spp. worker pupae.
  • SelfDeludedFool likes this

#5 Offline SelfDeludedFool - Posted June 19 2018 - 7:27 AM

SelfDeludedFool

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 16 posts

I agree on Formica obscuripes.

All you need is around 6 or so Formica spp. worker pupae.


Thank you, I'll do my best to make that happen.




1 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users