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Dspdrew's Myrmecocystus cf. romainei Journal [230] (Updated 9-8-2022)

dspdrew journal myrmecocystus honeypot ants

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#1 Offline dspdrew - Posted August 1 2015 - 8:57 AM

dspdrew
  • LocationSanta Ana, CA

8-1-2015
 
1. Location of collection:  Landers, California.
2. Date of collection: 7-21-2015.
3. Habitat of collection:  High Desert.
4. Length (from head to gaster):  12mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture:  Red head; red thorax and redish-brown gaster.
 
I dug this Myrmecocystus cf. romainei queen up from its founding chamber on 7-21-2015, in Landers, California. The area was still very wet from all the rain two days before.
 
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This has been put into one of my small antfarm/dirt boxes, where she quickly dug herself a nest.



#2 Offline gcsnelling - Posted August 1 2015 - 10:56 AM

gcsnelling

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I think M. wheeleri is a distinct option.I have seen this one before but do not remember for sure the species.



#3 Offline dspdrew - Posted August 1 2015 - 11:44 AM

dspdrew
  • LocationSanta Ana, CA

Yeah, I was thinking M. wheeleri. That would be awesome if it is, because I really wanted one.



#4 Offline dspdrew - Posted September 27 2015 - 6:58 PM

dspdrew
  • LocationSanta Ana, CA

Update 9-27-2015
 
This queen died two weeks ago, before ever getting any workers. I was able to get it out of it's nest before it molded too much. I did have to scrape some mold off of it, so the specimen is in pretty bad condition.
 
I tried keying it out, and I'm pretty sure this is Myrmecocystus romainei.
 
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  • AntsCali098 likes this

#5 Offline dspdrew - Posted September 8 2022 - 12:48 AM

dspdrew
  • LocationSanta Ana, CA

Update 9-8-2022

I caught more of these queens in Twentynine Palms and near Chiriaco Summit back in August.

 

Here is a colony shortly after a mating flight.

 

 

 

 

They just started getting their first workers about a week ago.

 

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#6 Offline ZTYguy - Posted September 8 2022 - 2:18 PM

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Awesome! They are pretty nicely colored if I do say so myself.
Currently: Considering moving to Australia
Reason: Myrmecia





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