7 replies to this topic

[jeffpbalderston]

I found this queen off of highway 50 coming home from Tahoe yesterday around Pollock Pines, California. I need a positive identification on her please. size is around 10mm I think.

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Edited by jeffpbalderston, April 12 2015 - 12:59 AM.

[James C. Trager]

This is something in the rufa-group. The strongly keeled clypeus with un-notched margin is unlike the clypeus shape of any sanguinea-group species. This might be the fairly common F. integroides.

[jeffpbalderston]

Thank you very much James. I was hoping to be wrong! Did not want my first Formica species to be parasitic. I have one question in concern about where I found her. It was in the Sierra foothills and not coastal hills. Whould that matter? Elevation around 3000 feet or so.

Edited by jeffpbalderston, April 12 2015 - 11:28 AM.

[jeffpbalderston]

Aha! After further research I finally came across with 6 specimens of this species found in the Sierras! Thank you very much Dr.Trager!I just hope now she is fertile.

Edited by jeffpbalderston, April 12 2015 - 11:50 AM.

[Jonathan21700]

I think the ants in the rufa-group are also parasitic. You might have to boost her with some pupae.

[jeffpbalderston]

I see. Thanks Jonathan. Ill just have to wait for F. moki I suppose?

[Jonathan21700]

BTW you can mark this thread as solved.

[dspdrew]

I just hope now she is fertile.

 

Yeah... that's what I'm kind of wondering. Let's hope you get lucky.