6 replies to this topic

[Michiganter]

Found and tubed on June 6, 2025 in southeast MI, photo taken same day. As of posting this today, did my first check-in, had a pile of 7 eggs neatly stacked underneath of her. Covered her tube and put her back in her storage compartment. Didn’t take a picture, confirmed her condition and environment were solid and then tried to get her back in the dark and quiet as quickly as possible. Incredibly hard to resist the temptation to not spend time closely examining her, her brood, and otherwise hassling her.

Temperature: 74-79 degrees Fahrenheit
Enclosure: 16x150mm test tube setup


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[RushmoreAnts]

I would concur with C. pennsylvanicus. It could be C. herculeanus or C. chromaiodes, though they typically have at least some red on their legs, mesosoma, and gaster. 

[Michiganter]

I would concur with C. pennsylvanicus. It could be C. herculeanus or C. chromaiodes, though they typically have at least some red on their legs, mesosoma, and gaster.

I love the jet-black look, reminds me of the xenomorph


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[Mettcollsuss]

Yes, pennsylvanicus. herculeanus and chromaiodes (even dark morph chromaiodes) would both have some reddish coloration to the propodeum and femurs, and chromaiodes would also have more noticeable golden hairs on the gaster.

[Michiganter]

6-24-25 Update


Quick wellness check on my queen, seems to be doing fine still. I keep her exposed for less than a minute but remembered to grab a quick grainy poorly lit picture this time! She seems to be doing well as far as I can tell. She’s alive, her brood seems to be developing, and her tube conditions still seem good. Temperature still between 76-81 degrees.


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[Michiganter]

Yes, pennsylvanicus. herculeanus and chromaiodes (even dark morph chromaiodes) would both have some reddish coloration to the propodeum and femurs, and chromaiodes would also have more noticeable golden hairs on the gaster.

Thank you for helping me confirm the identity of my queen, I really appreciate it!


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[Michiganter]

4-6 larvae, hard to tell, and a nice pile of eggs. She seems like she’s doing well. Living and chilling in my janky box of silence.


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