12 replies to this topic

[Iddizy]

Found 5 Pogonomyrmex Queens in Carmel Valley California and just wanted to know what species they are and if the are semi-claustral or fully claustral. Found them in the same general area on 10-7-16
Images:https://imgur.com/a/Ia0wp

[Canadian anter]

Those look like the fully claustral pogonomyrmex rugosus

[Iddizy]

Those look like the fully claustral pogonomyrmex rugosus

I don't think so those are black headed aren't they? These are fully red

[Canadian anter]

Wait I only saw the 1st image. Semi claustral californicus seems more likely

[Iddizy]

Wait I only saw the 1st image. Semi claustral californicus seems more likely

Black abdomen on those queens mine are all red

[Canadian anter]

There are concolour californicus

[Iddizy]

http://imgur.com/a/rkQPU

There are concolour californicus

By any chance do you think pogonomyrmex barbatus?!?

[gcsnelling]

Not P. barbatus for sure. Most likely all red P. californicus if they are indeed Pogonomyrmex at all.

Edited by gcsnelling, October 10 2016 - 2:18 AM.

[Iddizy]

If I may ask what makes you so sure I just want to know the difference between the two

[James C. Trager]

The pattern of fine lines on the head that is longer than broad, rounded and stubby propodeal spines, and the location all point to P. californicus.
As far as I know, the only other Pogonomyrmex likely to be found in a near-coastal location that far north is P. subnitidus, a shinier and more slender ant. 

[gcsnelling]

I considered P. subnitidus but it is usually found in areas with a bit more elevation, and for what it's worth P. barbatus does not occur in California

[dspdrew]

They look pretty spineless to me.

[Iddizy]

^