6 replies to this topic

[millsart]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: malta central Mediterranean 

2. Date of collection: 04/08/2019 

3. Habitat of collection: backyard urban area

4. Length (from head to gaster): 5-6mm 

5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: black with a yellow-brown and striped abdomen (see pic)

6. Distinguishing characteristics:  

7. Distinguishing behaviour: 

8. Nest description: found outside of nest   

9. Nuptial flight time and date: 04/08/2019 night

 

 

           

                   

 

Edited by millsart, August 4 2019 - 7:46 PM.

[ponerinecat]

It looks like colobospis, but I don't think they live in your area, so probably camponotus. The gaster is a bit too distended, though.

 

Never mind, too small, maybe solenopsis?

Edited by ponerinecat, August 5 2019 - 11:50 AM.

[millsart]

i'v got replies about being solenopsis orbula

[ponerinecat]

I know nil about European ants, but it could be. Really cool looking colors on the majors.

Edited by ponerinecat, August 5 2019 - 1:45 PM.

[Martialis]

It's definitely a small Solenopsis queen. There's a lot of coloration variation in these  theif ants,so I wouldn't discount S. fugax, S, santschii, or S. fairchildi without using a key and with better pictures.

[NickAnter]

I would say that it is likely Solenopsis orbula, it looks extremely similar to it.  They also seem fairly common there.  S. fugax is more bulky, and has different proportions.  The other two, I can't say, as there are no pictures of queens that I can find.

[millsart]

thanks for your replies !