When I found her I was very excited finding my first queen in what I thought was a founding chamber. After bringing her home and looking closer, not so sure she's actually a queen 😕. I looked at tons of photos online and can't really tell what she is. Closest to the pictures online seem like a camponotus species. However I found her right on the side of a path, in a small hole which appeared to be a founding chamber. Dug it up and she was in there all alone. It was a dirt path with mostly grass surrounding with very few trees at the top of a hill. Appreciate if you guys can let me know if you think she's a queen, and what species she is. Thank you in advance for your help since I'm new this year!
1. Location (on a map) of collection: SE wisconsin
2. Date of collection: 5/6/25
3. Habitat of collection: open fields, top of a hill few trees
4. Length (from head to gaster): 9-10mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: mostly a glossy black. Small what appear to be silverish hairs on gaster.
6. Distinguishing characteristics: seemingly long antennas. Probably 5-6mm in length. Very skinny thorax
7. Distinguishing behavior: very skittish
8. Nest description: small hole that I thought was a founding chamber.
9. Nuptial flight time and date
