7 replies to this topic

[Acutus]

These gals invaded my unsweet tea yesterday! It's possible they were brought in with some woodenware for my beehives from outside

 

 

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Howard County Maryland

2. Date of collection: 3/4/20
3. Habitat of collection: inside building
4. Length (from head to gaster): 5-6mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: smooth with a few hairs
6. Distinguishing characteristics: 
7. Distinguishing behavior: like to drink iced tea
8. Nest description: 

9. Nuptial flight time and date: none

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Martialis]

I'm leaning toward Camponotus because of how the antennae are oriented and what seems to be a "one humped" mesosoma. It's hard to tell, however, because of the photo angle and the fact that the ant isn't focus

[ANTdrew]

Could the tea have nitrogen in it? Seems more appealing than urine or bird poo...

[Ants_Dakota]

It does seem similar to camponotus. (however, i am by no means an expert at ant identifying. I leave that up to AntsDakota, when i need help)

[Martialis]

Could the tea have nitrogen in it? Seems more appealing than urine or bird poo...

Ants I don’t think would go for nitrogen directly. But there might have been some sugar in that “unsweetened” tea. Or they could have been after another thing and just happened to encounter the tea.

Edited by Martialis, March 5 2020 - 9:37 AM.

[Ferox_Formicae]

Camponotus (Myrmentoma) sp, either caryae or nearcticus. I'm leaning more towards nearcticus though, as the hairs and punctures present on the malar regions bordering the clypeus seen in caryae appear to be absent in this ant. However, better images of the head would be needed to confirm this.

[MegaMyrmex]

Nearcticus. HoCo??? No way, same! What ant species have you found/kept so far?

[Martialis]