6 replies to this topic

[SabbyMae]

I caught what I believe to be 1 male and 2 female large alates. I will list specifics on the male first and then the females.

 

MALE

1. Location: Fitchburg Massachusetts

2. Date of collection: May 26, 2020
3. Habitat of collection: Deciduous Forest
4. Length: 11 or 12 mm (Keeps moving)
5. Coloration, hue, pattern and texture: Dark brown- Black coloration. Tan wings. Long legs.
6. Distinguishing characteristics: TINY head. Pointy booty. 
7. Anything else distinctive: Restless. Keeps flipping upside down in the test tube. I don't think he can grip glass very well.
8. Nest description: N/A

9. Nuptial flight time and date: Didn't Witness

 

QUEEN #1

1. Location of collection: Fitchburg Massachusetts

2. Date of collection: May 26, 2020
3. Habitat of collection: Deciduous Forest
4. Length: 16 mm
5. Coloration, hue, pattern and texture: Dark brown- Black coloration. Tan wings. Long legs. Brown stripes on the booty
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Round booty.
7. Anything else distinctive: Calm
8. Nest description: N/A

9. Nuptial flight time and date: Didn't witness

 

QUEEN #2

1. Location of collection: Fitchburg Massachusetts.

2. Date of collection: May 26, 2020
3. Habitat of collection: Deciduous Forest
4. Length: 18 mm

5. Coloration, hue, pattern and texture: Dark brown- Black coloration. Tan wings. Long legs. Brown stripes on the booty
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Round booty.
7. Anything else distinctive: Calm
8. Nest description: N/A

9. Nuptial flight time and date: Didn't witness

 

The females were found a few feet from eachother. The male was at the other side of the house about 150-200 feet away from the females. I plan to release the male in case he hasn't mated. I just want to know what he is.

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Edited by SabbyMae, May 26 2020 - 1:55 PM.

[VoidElecent]

These could be Campontous pennsylvanicus, but the slightly brownish coloration and shorter length make me think they are darker varieties of Camponotus novaeboracensis.

[SabbyMae]

These could be Campontous pennsylvanicus, but the slightly brownish coloration and shorter length make me think they are darker varieties of Camponotus novaeboracensis.

The male is a LOT smaller than the females. I'm not sure if this is normal or if he is a different species.  

[AnthonyP163]

I believe Queen #1 is Camponotus pennsylvanicus, and Queen #2 is Camponotus herculeanus due to the brown/red color of her tibiae and bottom of the thorax. The male is likely either of the previously mentioned species. 

[SabbyMae]

I believe Queen #1 is Camponotus pennsylvanicus, and Queen #2 is Camponotus herculeanus due to the brown/red color of her tibiae and bottom of the thorax. The male is likely either of the previously mentioned species. 

I did not notice that coloration before. Good eye. I'm looking at both the females and they both seem to have that coloration. I think the lighting of the photo made the first one look darker.

[SabbyMae]

I can try to get better photos if needed.

Edited by SabbyMae, May 26 2020 - 2:11 PM.

[VoidElecent]

I believe Queen #1 is Camponotus pennsylvanicus, and Queen #2 is Camponotus herculeanus due to the brown/red color of her tibiae and bottom of the thorax. The male is likely either of the previously mentioned species. 

 

They could both be C. herculeanus—queen 1 is notably smaller.