It's not hard to overlook an issue of a simple mis-identification; after all, it happens to the best of us all the time. Especially when it comes to Camponotus decipiens and discolor; two red and black Myrmentoma that if you don't know what you're looking for might be pretty difficult to tell apart.
So why am I making this thread?
Well first, let me go ahead and point out the difference. It's really simple; in C. discolor, the majors and queens have abundant hair around the malar region of the face, which is easily visible with most decent-ish photos. Here's a few examples:
Now C. decipiens, which clearly lack these malar hairs:
https://media.discor...010&height=1340
But still; if the only difference is a few hairs, then who cares, right?
Well, there are a few other key points that need to be mentioned. Colony size and rarity.
Evidence suggests that the maximum colony size for C. decipiens is anywhere from a few hundred to right around 1,000 workers. Not bad, but when C. discolor seem to be able to get well over 2,000, it's a pretty substantial difference. C. discolor are also far rarer, with C. decipiens being considered 'common' in much of their range, with C. discolor being rarely collected at all.
But ok, I'll just get to the point already. Ant shops in North America are mislabeling their ants. It's one thing to sell misidentified species, but on top of that, one could be seen to have a higher value due to their increased rarity and larger colony size. I mean I know for sure that I'd much prefer to keep C. discolor over decipiens any day.
So then why is it that AntsEmporium AND Tarheel Ants are BOTH selling C. decipiens as C. discolor. The issue has been pointed out to them in private, AND they are operating on strict permits, which only allow the distribution of a specific ant species; and NOT the species they are distributing. These shops are sending C. decipiens across state lines with the incorrect permit, or effectively without a permit at all.
Note: Tarheel Ants, after the issue was pointed out, is sending both C. decipiens and C. discolor permits with the colonies being sent out. That said, his colonies are STILL being sold as C. discolor on his website.
If you don't believe me, here is each of those shops' listings for "Camponotus discolor"; their provided images clearly show a lack of malar hairs, meaning the ants that are being displayed and sold are in fact C. decipiens.
https://antsemporium...onotus-discolor
https://tarheelants....orkersants-only
https://tarheelants....micarium-bundle
This, in my opinion, is an issue that desperately needs to be addressed. These shops have a responsibility to sell correctly identified and LEGAL ant colonies, and by selling one species as another, neither of these are happening, and again depending on how harsh you wish to be, this could also be seen as a borderline scam, since the advertised species may have a higher value than the species that is actually being delivered. This is clearly a widespread enough issue that it needs to be pointed out and hopefully fixed.
P.S.: For the record, this is not a business thing. I don't even sell ants; and it's better for me when these shops do well and sell more ants, as then more people need to buy formicaria for their colonies. This is solely in the interest of the consumers and the antkeeping community as a whole, as y'all are my first priority when it comes to situations like this.
Edited by CheetoLord02, March 2 2022 - 1:33 PM.
), Tetramorium bicarinatum, Solenopsis spp. (probably xyloni, the queens are tiny hehe)
