15 replies to this topic

[aeximius]

Hi Everyone,

 

I'm a myrmecologist (well, an ecologist/geneticist who studies ants), and I recently relocated to southern California.  In my very first ant-hunting trip to the mountains, my partner and I happened to run into a forum member who suggested that we check out this site.  Imagine my surprise when someone actually came over to ask if we were looking for ants, instead of looking at us like we were crazy as usual (as we stared at the ground near the edge of the road).  Anyway, this forum looks like a great community and a terrific resource for people like me, who want to get up to speed on the best places to search for ants.  I look forward to participating!

 

Cheers,

Aeximius

 

PS.  Here's a couple of little videos from one of my past research projects: Formica selysi (from Switzerland) rafting!  No ants were harmed in these experiments- they survive submersion just fine!  I guess floods won't be a big concern for many of the species here in socal!

 

 

 

 

 

[Alza]

Ello Aeximius, Nice to meet you - Also in southern california 

[dspdrew]

Hey thanks for joining. This is Andrew by the way. I realized I forgot to tell you my screen name on here.

[nurbs]

Welcome!!!

[Jonathan21700]

Welcome! Amazing footage!

Edited by Jonathan21700, July 4 2015 - 2:18 AM.

[LC3]

H'llo and Welcome to the forum. Never knew Formica could form rafts. c:

[Foogoo]

We have quite a socal group on here. Welcome and hope you can share your expertise with us!

[Subverted]

Welcome! There are a lot of people interested in entomology related subjects in Southern California but its always nice to have more!

[Gregory2455]

Welcome, I am also from SoCal.

[Trailandstreet]

Hello and welcome. I am only about 200 miles from switzerländ

[cpman]

Welcome from Texas!

[Bigb]

Welcome!!

[PTAntFan]

Welcome from another SoCal member!  Great footage.  Also looking forward to learning from and with you and future anting trips.  

 

That is hilarious that you ran into Drew of all folks.

 

What's the best and safest way to color mark ants?  That would be extremely helpful.

[BrittonLS]

Ooooh, and you brought videos with you. Welcome!

[aeximius]

Thanks, Andrew!  It was really great to meet you.  Your map is very cool- I'm going to use it to plan my next anting excursion this w/e!  

 

PTAntFan: We used Lackmalstift paint, which may not be available in the US...  I need to look into it for my lab, so I will let you know if I can find the same thing or a good alternative here.  This product is great, because it dries quickly and isn't sticky.  Workers seem to suffer no adverse effects when it's applied to the gaster, and it's a great way to follow individuals.  They will usually remove it via grooming within a couple of weeks (at least in Formica). 

[Thomas_Nguyen2456]

Welcome from socal!