5 replies to this topic

[TheGamblingAnt]

Location (on a map) of collection: wisconsin
2. Date of collection: 7/13/25
3. Habitat of collection: blacklight, wooded area
4. Length (from head to gaster): 1/8 inch about 3mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: orangish with black gaster
6. Distinguishing characteristics: very small
7. Distinguishing behavior:
8. Nest description:

9. Nuptial flight time and date:

My guess here is monomorium pharaonis. Its tiny and only about 3mm. Although it's weird cause after doing some research it says this species doesn't have nuptial flights so why is it on my blacklight? Also read this species is advised against keeping since it's a pest. If this is a pharaoh ant, keep it? Let it go? Kill it? Thanks guys

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[RushmoreAnts]

Temnothorax sp. Monomorium pharaonis are not present in Wisconsin. Chances are, if AntsCanada mentions them, you don't have them.

 

antmaps.org

 

Next time use AntMaps to deduce what species it could be, and rule what species people only know of since AC mentioned them a few times.

[Mettcollsuss]

Temnothorax 

[TheGamblingAnt]

Thanks guys! I didn't know about that website I will use that going forward. I normally just catch something I haven't seen before and start googling things to see if I can figure it out. I was searching up 3mm queens in Wisconsin and the closest thing I was was the pharaoh ant. Not sure I've seen them before but then did a search if pharaoh ants are in Wisconsin and it told me yes they're very common household pests. Idk what I'm reading half the time or if it's accurate! As always, appreciate you guys pointing me in the right direction!

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[Flu1d]

Temnothorax sp. Monomorium pharaonis are not present in Wisconsin. Chances are, if AntsCanada mentions them, you don't have them.

antmaps.org

Next time use AntMaps to deduce what species it could be, and rule what species people only know of since AC mentioned them a few times.

I second this, and cross reference it with iNaturalist. I highly recommend getting the iNaturalist app! It has helped me out tremendously when it comes to identifying species, especially in my own area but I use it for everywhere.

[TheGamblingAnt]

Thank you! I will check that one out as well.