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Photo

Worker ID - Cloudcroft, NM

id nm worker

Best Answer cpman , June 30 2017 - 12:49 PM

I think it is Myrmecocystus sp. -- in the last photo, you can see the long palps that distinguish the genus. I'm not familiar enough with the genus to guess as to the species.

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#1 Offline The_Kahndawg - Posted June 29 2017 - 4:30 PM

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1. Location (on a map) of collection: Just outside of Cloudcroft, NM. Bridal Veil Falls hiking trail
2. Date of collection: 6/27/2017
3. Habitat of collection: Just outside of a desert scrub environment. This trail is in the mountains and has some trees with a mix of both coniferous and deciduous. ~6,000ft elevation
4. Length (from head to gaster): ~9.5mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Head is a dark reddish brown. Rest of the ant is black, very dull.

6. Distinguishing characteristics: Unsure 
7. Distinguishing behavior: Ant seems to be very docile. I am able to handle this ant without it getting excited and sprinting around or biting.

 

Ant 1
Ant 2
Bridal Veil Falls
Ant 3

Edited by The_Kahndawg, June 30 2017 - 7:25 AM.


#2 Offline VoidElecent - Posted June 29 2017 - 10:31 PM

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I would say Myrmecocystus mimicus, but I'm also not incredibly familiar with Southwestern ants so you may want to look a little deeper into it.



#3 Offline gcsnelling - Posted June 30 2017 - 4:16 AM

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Most likely a Myrmecocystus but the photo is not good enough I am going to stick my neck out beyond probably. However the only other option would be a Formica.



#4 Offline Batspiderfish - Posted June 30 2017 - 6:06 AM

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It's good to provide photos from more than one angle for an ID request. Also, we don't have permission to view the full-sized images.


If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.

 

Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.

 

----

Black lives still matter.


#5 Offline The_Kahndawg - Posted June 30 2017 - 7:27 AM

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Thank you all for the advice! This is my first time posting here, and I appreciate all the help you can give. I have uploaded one more photo of the ant and will take more later when my phone is fully charged. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide to help with this ID. It means a lot to me, so thank you once again!



#6 Offline cpman - Posted June 30 2017 - 12:49 PM   Best Answer

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I think it is Myrmecocystus sp. -- in the last photo, you can see the long palps that distinguish the genus. I'm not familiar enough with the genus to guess as to the species.



#7 Offline antsnewmexico - Posted July 16 2017 - 8:21 PM

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myrmecocystus mimicus worker







Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: id, nm, worker

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