6 replies to this topic

[SaintDrake]

1A and B. Detroit Michigan. Species A was on my brick patio and Species B was looking in the dirt near the founding chambers of other species.

2A. 8/28/16

 

2B. 8/29/16

3A and B. Urban neighborhood. 

4A. Approximately 5mm.

 

4B. Approximately 7mm.

5A. The queen is brown with a lighter brown gaster.

5B. Black head and thorax, the abdomen is also black but the segments are lighter in color and more gray. 

6A. Pretty sure this is Solenopsis molesta but I am not 100% positive or maybe it is Brachymyrmex depilis.

6B. Almost thought it was a carpenter ant worker (not sure the species but they are common around my house) but it was acting off and its legs are a light brown almost yellow color.

I don't really know what to say for 7. Also they were not in nests so I can't answer 8. 
 

9A attached.

 

9B.

 

Edited by SaintDrake, August 29 2016 - 1:49 PM.

[mmcguffi]

I found species A in Ann Arbor last night!

[Batspiderfish]

Brachymyrmex depilis and Lasius umbratus.

 

http://www.formicult...cial-parasites/

Edited by Batspiderfish, August 29 2016 - 5:45 PM.

[SaintDrake]

Do you just know by the images or do you have a key of some sort?

[Batspiderfish]

Brachymyrmex depilis is the only species of that genus of tiny formicines present in Michigan. The Lasius is clearly a social parasite, and the pubescence visible on the head and mesonotum tells me that she is Cthonolasius (umbratus group). Lasius claviger of the Acanthomyops subgenus are hairy, but shiny. The only Chthonolasius in Michigan are Lasius umbratus, Lasius speculiventris, Lasius subumbratus, and Lasius minutus. Size and coloration negate the last two. She could technically be Lasius speculiventris, so a good picture of the gaster (showing off hair coverage and shininess) will tell for sure. These two ants are identical in their care.

Edited by Batspiderfish, August 29 2016 - 9:54 PM.

[Loops117]

Nice catches!

[SaintDrake]

Thanks!