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Michigan 9/18/22


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10 replies to this topic

#1 Offline Polyacanthus - Posted September 18 2022 - 1:26 PM

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This species is new to me, not sure where to start.

Found on my front porch this afternoon around 4:30pm. It's 84F and sunny today.

Approximately 5mm.

Maybe the long spines give it away?

IMG_20220918_170034352~2.jpg

#2 Offline T.C. - Posted September 18 2022 - 1:59 PM

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Myrmica rubra (?) However off the top of my head I didn't think the queens had spikes like that.
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#3 Offline NicholasP - Posted September 18 2022 - 2:04 PM

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Myrmica rubra (?) However off the top of my head I didn't think the queens had spikes like that.

I'd recommend not giving exact species for Myrmica. Myrmica here in the Northern U.S. all look too closely similar to just say it's a species without seeing the microscopic hairs. It is Myrmica though for sure.



#4 Offline NicholasP - Posted September 18 2022 - 2:07 PM

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Also, I need to say this before I forget... Myrmica rubra is not native to Michigan and there are absolutely NO records of them in Michigan. So, I highly doubt it's rubra. It's just another Myrmica species. I found quite a few of them just like that one this year.



#5 Offline T.C. - Posted September 18 2022 - 2:13 PM

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That's why there is a question mark. Myrmica rubra supposedly aren't in WI either but I had one IDed as such. AntMaps can only be so accurate.
“If I am killed for simply living, let death be kinder than man.” -Althea Davis

#6 Offline OiledOlives - Posted September 18 2022 - 2:16 PM

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Not rubra



#7 Offline T.C. - Posted September 18 2022 - 3:00 PM

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Not rubra


I started to wonder this. Any ideas? I searched antwiki with no hope. Maybe Gordon will pop in.
“If I am killed for simply living, let death be kinder than man.” -Althea Davis

#8 Offline Polyacanthus - Posted September 18 2022 - 4:04 PM

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Thanks, that gives me a start. Going through some internet info it looks like maybe something similar to M. incompleta. Maybe she'll found a colony and I can analyze further.

#9 Offline OiledOlives - Posted September 18 2022 - 4:15 PM

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Not rubra


I started to wonder this. Any ideas? I searched antwiki with no hope. Maybe Gordon will pop in.

 

Spine length



@Polyacanthus, you will have more success using a dichotomous key to get species. Care for Myrmica is all pretty similar though so finding out the species doesn't really matter.



#10 Offline NicholasP - Posted September 18 2022 - 6:38 PM

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Raising Myrmica is fairly easy. They're Semi-claustral and usually don't require hibernation but sometimes do. A fruitfly every other day should be enough for the queen until workers come about. Also, I'd advise against a heating cable. Just keep them at 75F and they'll be fine.



#11 Offline gcsnelling - Posted September 19 2022 - 2:00 AM

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Yup, Myrmica I would just leave it at that.


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