Been awhile since my time in the Mojave Desert... happened upon these beauties, and I think they may be a Camponotus species? sugar ant of some sort, but I have not seen them here before. Thanks for the assist in the ID!
Edit: Found a post about a capture a year ago...about 30 miles down the road which leads me to believe these may be Camponotus Semitestaceus? And a wonderful post from a grandma and her ant nest journey with grandkids. This said... information follows and I would like confirmation I am on the right track? Thanks!
Near Prosser, WA in the Yakima Valley
27 Aug 2020
Farm Country.. found first on daughter's pillow in the HOUSE... found several more near the pumphouse when cleaning out some weeds. Dry ground, had not yet dug a claustral hole. Nuptials may not be dependent on rainfall as this area is heavily irrigated, and does not get much rain.
15-18 mm
Glossy deep coppery red and golden yellow-carmel on gaster, though one is almost all coppery.
Seems to have some hair, though my eyesight isn't what it was.
Very quick.
No ideaon nest. I have never seen this ant here before, leads me to speculate they may be nocturnal. We have lots of orchards and vineyards in the area. I have harvester nests in the yard, but no idea where this ant comes from or where it might nest.
9. Nuptial flight time and date:
Unknown and unobserved. Just found the queens by fluke while cleaning up farmyard.
Attached Images
Edited by Zegorzalek, August 28 2020 - 10:09 AM.
, Ponera pennsylvanica, and Pheidole morrisi! 
