19 replies to this topic

[Shaye]

I will be trying to get a photo in as soon as possible, but was wondering if anyone could identify this ant from a few observations I've made.

 

Fast paced and erratic as some Myrmecocystus species

After holding one it would appear that it has no stinger since it tried and failed to sting

From my short observation, they are 3 - 3.75 mm long

Black in color

No odor

The mound was crescent shaped and around 4 inches in radius from the entrance

Location in an open desert area in canyon country, CA

Semi-aggressive (about the same as Myrmecocystus ants)

I only observed them carrying out excavated pebbles and did not see scavenging during the day

 

I will add more info when I can. I know its a rough description, and don't expect an ID until I get a picture in.

[Shaye]

Also, if I missed any key info that is easily observed please tell me.

[gcsnelling]

Need a photo but may have been Dorymyrmex insanus.

[Subverted]

Sounds a little bit big for D. insanus...it could be what I've been assuming are M. mimicus:

 

[Miles]

Definitely Myrmecocystus for Subverted's image.

Edited by Miles, February 29 2016 - 8:16 PM.

[dspdrew]

The size is right for Dorymyrmex. The behavior does sound like Myrmecocystus. It might be something from the Eremnocystus subgenus.

[Shaye]

Terribly sorry for not replying any sooner, but I haven't had the opportunity to observe the colony anymore. I've been visiting the nest every other day, but temperatures have started to drop significantly and so I fear they have gone back underground for an extended hibernation. I have roamed my area for quite some time and have never encountered this species (whatever it may be) so I will be pursuing it diligently for an ID, but until then this thread may be frozen. Thank you for the suggestions, I will be researching in the meantime.

 

P.S. The colony seemed to be fairly small and from what I had observed had slight variation in worker size. Whether due to colony age or caste system I do not know.

[dspdrew]

Variation in size would point more to Myrmecocystus than Dorymyrmex.

[Subverted]

I had a thought about what these might be if they don't turn out to be the Myrmecocystus we seem to be agreeing they likely are. Have you considered Prenolepis imparis?

[Ants4fun]

Prenolepis imparis usually next at the base of trees. I doubt they would have such an open entrance. It is usually an inconspicuous hole in the ground.

[dspdrew]

Prenolepis imparis usually next at the base of trees. I doubt they would have such an open entrance. It is usually an inconspicuous hole in the ground.

 

This is what I have noticed as well. The nest entrances that I have seen are almost always just holes in the ground. I did however, one time see an entrance with a bit of a mound about six inches in diameter. Also, Prenolepis imparis are usually moving pretty slowly from what I've seen.

[Shaye]

[Shaye]

Sorry about the quality, this is what I have to work with for now since I can't find my other magnifying equipment. It's not much, but I hope it sheds some light on the species.

I found a second colony of the species (At least I think it's the same) by combing the area, but that's the extent of their population here.

[Miles]

I can't view any of your images.

[dspdrew]

I don't know what in the world that link is supposed to be.

Edit: Actually it looks like they're supposed to be pictures, but they're from his Gmail. Pictures need to be hosted on a public server or nobody can see them.

Edited by dspdrew, March 14 2016 - 9:34 PM.

[Shaye]

Hosted on a public server?

How would I need to transfer them?

[dspdrew]

http://www.formicult...-photos/?p=7462

[Shaye]

Album: Unidentified Black Ant

4 images

0 comments

Edited by Shaye, March 15 2016 - 3:14 PM.

[Shaye]

I also would like to add that the substrate that is apparently preferred by this species is extremely rocky (the rocks being on average about 2-4 inches), has little to no dirt, and is made of tons of pebbles slightly larger than grains of sand (Perhaps sand, depending on the type of beach you would go to, but unlikely).

[dspdrew]

It's still hard to tell from those pictures. Do you have any that aren't so close up? The close-ups aren't really helping because the resolution is so low.