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Queen ID Please - 06-29-2016 - Massachusetts, USA


Best Answer Batspiderfish , June 29 2016 - 8:20 PM

Temnothorax curvispinosus or possibly T. ambiguus. This genus likes to fly at night.

I'm going to have to fire up my porch lights. We just had thunder showers tonight, in Maine; tomorrow will be a high of 82! :)

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#1 Offline noebl1 - Posted June 29 2016 - 6:02 PM

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1. Location of collection:                     Stuck to pants, may have been attracted to flash light (was out ant spotting)


2. Date of collection:                            6-29-2016 at 9:45PM EST, 66F, 81% humidity

3. Habitat of collection:                       Heavy wooded area

 

4. Length (from head to gaster):         4.4mm  

 

5. Color, hue, pattern and texture:      Brownish red, some black stripes on gaster

 

6. Distinguishing characteristics:       *TINY*

 

 

Sorry for the bad pics, but she's very small and won't sit still.  Wondering if a solenopsis molesta queen?

 

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#2 Offline LC3 - Posted June 29 2016 - 6:37 PM

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Not sure what species that queen you've got there is but it is definitely not Solenopsis molesta.



#3 Offline Batspiderfish - Posted June 29 2016 - 8:20 PM   Best Answer

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Temnothorax curvispinosus or possibly T. ambiguus. This genus likes to fly at night.

I'm going to have to fire up my porch lights. We just had thunder showers tonight, in Maine; tomorrow will be a high of 82! :)


Edited by Batspiderfish, June 29 2016 - 8:45 PM.

If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.

 

Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.

 

----

Black lives still matter.


#4 Offline noebl1 - Posted June 30 2016 - 12:53 PM

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Thanks @batspiderfish.  Total accident too... was hoping to see if i could spot any Tetramorium relocating after a potential flight earlier in the day... but instead ended up with this on my pants, LOL



#5 Offline noebl1 - Posted June 30 2016 - 6:16 PM

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FYI they are flying again tonight.  Found another one on a light post.



#6 Offline Batspiderfish - Posted June 30 2016 - 8:43 PM

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I've been sitting on the porch with 4x4 ft aquarium lights (A decent blue light output, at least.) All I attracted so far as ants was a Tapinoma sessile male. Despite the nice weather, it seems the ground was too damp after the rains the night before. I have better hopes for tomorrow evening.


Edited by Batspiderfish, June 30 2016 - 8:46 PM.

If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.

 

Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.

 

----

Black lives still matter.


#7 Offline noebl1 - Posted August 12 2016 - 11:32 AM

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BTW I think you were spot on with Temnothorax curvispinosus.   First workers eclosed this week, and do indeed look as the species is described. Thanks again!






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