13 replies to this topic

[1Shadow1]

So this species can be found in the forest of Eastern Indiana. I don't usually see them much. They all tend to be much smaller than the queen. Workers tend to be around 5/16" long while the queen is a LOT bigger 5/8" or larger. I do not know when this species has it's nuptial flight. Never really saw one on the ground before. Colonies can be found under rocks. I know the pictures aren't the greatest I will try to get better pictures of the queen if it is a problem identifying.

 

 

[Manitobant]

Camponotus herculeanus.

[TennesseeAnts]

Camponotus herculeanus.

Could also be C. chromaiodes.

[1Shadow1]

Thank you both. I thought they were some sort of Camponotus but wasn't sure which one.

[Manitobant]

Camponotus herculeanus.

Could also be C. chromaiodes.

chromaiodes are much more red than these guys.

[BlueLance213]

isn't herculeanus queen bigger though? I have a barbaricus and the queen is a full inch, thought herculeanus were bigger

[Manitobant]

Herculeanus are smaller than other camponotus in my area except of course subgenus myrmentoma.

[1Shadow1]

Herculeanus are smaller than other camponotus in my area except of course subgenus myrmentoma.

These are also smaller than other Camponotus in my area. Also...I don't remember seeing any majors in the nest. They were all pretty much the same size. except for the queen. There were about 600-1000 in number.

[Manitobant]

Herculeanus are smaller than other camponotus in my area except of course subgenus myrmentoma.

These are also smaller than other Camponotus in my area. Also...I don't remember seeing any majors in the nest. They were all pretty much the same size. except for the queen. There were about 600-1000 in number.

well its definitely herculeanus. Also next time please collect all the workers from a nest and not just a few as that can put stress on the queen.

[1Shadow1]

 

 

Herculeanus are smaller than other camponotus in my area except of course subgenus myrmentoma.

These are also smaller than other Camponotus in my area. Also...I don't remember seeing any majors in the nest. They were all pretty much the same size. except for the queen. There were about 600-1000 in number.

well its definitely herculeanus. Also next time please collect all the workers from a nest and not just a few as that can put stress on the queen.

 

The queen's fine. She settled right in. These are not very timid ants. They also seem fine with light although I keep them in the dark. The place from where I gathered these was about to be landscaped by heavy equipment and cleared which has already taken place. I didn't have much time to work with but I saved what I could.

[Kaelwizard]

.

Edited by Kaelwizard, September 12 2020 - 7:39 AM.

[TennesseeAnts]

 

 

Camponotus herculeanus.

Could also be C. chromaiodes.

chromaiodes are much more red than these guys.

 

Not at all. C. chromaiodes come most commonly in two color forms. One dark form, with just red on the legs and a tiny amount on the sides of the thorax, and a light form with red all over the sides of the thorax and on the first gastric tergite.

 

Example of dark form:

[TennesseeAnts]

Better pictures of the queen will help.

[1Shadow1]

Better pictures of the queen will help.

I will put a better picture of the queen either later or tomorrow. Hopefully she is in a good spot.