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How to ID our own

Started By ooper , Jun 11 2015 7:10 PM

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11 replies to this topic

#1 Offline ooper - Posted June 11 2015 - 7:10 PM

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Just wondering the process you ant ID folks go through to help us ID our ants. Are there sites you use to compare photos? Can you provide a list of steps you go through when you receive an ant ID request here?

 

Thanks!


#2 Offline drtrmiller - Posted June 11 2015 - 7:24 PM

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Identification of ants is based on a thorough understanding of ant anatomy, including an abundance of technical terms.

 

There are written and visual descriptions, or keys, that guide one to properly identifying species of ants based on the inclusion or exclusion of one or more anatomical features, most of which may only be visible with high magnification.


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#3 Offline ooper - Posted June 11 2015 - 8:42 PM

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So where would one find the written and visual descriptions. Is it just a simple matter of Googling, or can you provide some sites that are used frequently?


#4 Offline Subverted - Posted June 11 2015 - 9:33 PM

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Try here, I think that will help you out.


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#5 Offline drtrmiller - Posted June 11 2015 - 9:35 PM

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Taxonomy is not my area of interest. Drew and others may be able to point you to some keys they use.


byFormica® is the manufacturer of the iconic nectar feeders and Sunburst Ant Nectar.
byFormica ant products always deliver consistent performance, convenience,
and reliability, making them among the most beloved ant foods and kit enjoyed by
ant keeping enthusiasts worldwide. For more information, visit www.byFormica.com.

#6 Offline James C. Trager - Posted June 12 2015 - 5:22 AM

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Useful links, for ID and more:
http://www.formicult...of-handy-links/


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#7 Offline Crystals - Posted June 12 2015 - 6:23 AM

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For IDs, I first look at location.  I often use antweb.org (they have great pictures from face, sides and top).  This can help you narrow down the species.

Or use an ID guide for your location.

 

It is also a matter of familiarity.

 

That being said, I am not very good with IDs, especially for species that are not in my location.  :D


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#8 Offline WeatherAnt - Posted June 12 2015 - 10:16 AM

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I don't know where in the world you live, but for me in the USA I find this book helpful for at least narrowing down to the genus: 

 

http://www.amazon.co...a/dp/0520254228

 

Once I got the genus down, I will search online for ants of that genus in my local area. 

 

If that fails to produce any results, I'll post an ID thread for more ideas and answers. 


#9 Offline dspdrew - Posted June 12 2015 - 10:20 AM

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If you really want to ID ants on your own, you're going to need a zoom microscope. Without a microscope, you're doing a lot of guessing.


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#10 Offline Trailandstreet - Posted June 18 2015 - 3:03 AM

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If you have such a key, you can use it. But this only works for euroean ants. But the procedure is nearly the same.

If you have a little bit more experience, you will find at least the generic group immediately.


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#11 Offline PTAntFan - Posted June 30 2015 - 9:40 PM

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If you really want to ID ants on your own, you're going to need a zoom microscope. Without a microscope, you're doing a lot of guessing.

 

I've seen a picture of your setup but not which scope and other tools you have.  Have you posted here about that? Please share a link.  Thanks!


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#12 Offline dspdrew - Posted July 1 2015 - 8:34 AM

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http://www.formicult...zoom-microscope


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