5 replies to this topic

[TheGamblingAnt]

Hello everyone, 

 

I am brand new to this, just started looking for ants this spring. Came across this running around by itself along the side of a path this morning. It is rather small, only about 5/16ths of an inch, and can't really see any scars from wings so I'm not even sure this is a queen. Anyone able to help me determine if this is a queen and if so any idea on the species? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

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[Ants_Dakota]

That is a queen, looks like Prenolepis imparis to me. Use the search bar at the top right to find out more information about her!

[RushmoreAnts]

Prenolepis imparis. They are the only species that flies this early in the season. Next time use this template for IDs and use Standard International (pretty much the metric system) units of measurement, as it is the standard for all of science, including Myrmecology. Ants are almost always measured in millimeters (mm), not inches.

 

Care Sheet - Prenolepis imparis - Ant Care Sheets - Ants & Myrmecology Forum

[TheGamblingAnt]

Thank you guys! I've got her in a test tube tucked away in a cabinet! And sorry about that Rushmore, I did see the template and ddidnt know most of that information since I'm brand new. Going forward I will convert it to mm though! Per the care sheet looks spot on, 5/16 inch = 8mm. Excited to have caught my first one and I'll check on her every week or so. Or is that too much? Don't want to stress her out

[RushmoreAnts]

Excited to have caught my first one and I'll check on her every week or so. Or is that too much? Don't want to stress her out

I would recommend once every two weeks, as they are a very sensitive species. Just a heads up, their natural survival rate is quite low, so if she doesn't make it, don't worry too much. Throughout the year many species fly which are hardier and less sensitive than them. Some noteworthy examples native to Wisconsin include Crematogaster cerasi, Crematogaster lineolata, Pheidole bicarinata, Pheidole pilifera, and Tetramorium immigrans (well, this one's a destructive invasive species, although they are excellent for keeping).

[TheGamblingAnt]

I did read that about their low survival rates. I'm hopeful for my first one! But I will keep looking for other species all spring/summer long. Thank you again for your help today!