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Posted July 4 2016 - 1:13 PM
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Found this queen roaming around on the ground while out looking for pogonomyrmex nests. I'm guessing she is a pogonomyrmex occidentalis queen, but I'm not to sure as she would be my first I've caught.
Denver, CO
7/4/2016
Plains / open space
11-12 mm
head and thorax dark red in color, gaster mostly black
My Current Colonies:
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Posted July 4 2016 - 4:57 PM
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Looks like Myrmecocystus sp. to me. Possibly M. mimicus, but I'm not hugely familiar with this genus.
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.
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Black lives still matter.
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Posted July 4 2016 - 5:13 PM
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I can get some better pictures if that helps?
My Current Colonies:
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Posted July 6 2016 - 5:52 PM
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Closer pictures of the side of the head, showing off hair coverage underneath, would help me differentiate her from the possibility of Formica.
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.
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Black lives still matter.
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Posted July 6 2016 - 7:55 PM
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I agree, likely Myrmecocystus. Very lucky find!
PhD Student & NSF Graduate Research Fellow | University of Florida Dept. of Entomology & Nematology - Lucky Ant Lab
Founder & Director of The Ant Network. Ant keeper since 2009. Insect ecologist and science communicator. He/Him.
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