2124 replies to this topic

[noebl1]

P. imparis, Pheidole and Lasius neoniger are my favorites.    However only have 2 of those 3

 

On a side note, at the end of our driveway the woods are clear for a 30x10 patch, and about 3x10' of that is a flat sandy/rocky/loose soil area not covered in leaves (most of our lot is forest aside from a seasonal pond).  This is where there are quite a few Lasius sp, and where C. americanus had previously had nests (not seeing it this year, though they hide entrances very well.)   Now that I've been gone for over a week, I surveyed that area to check for flights, changes, etc.  Today I noticed today three small hills about the size of quarters with *very* tiny light brown ants coming out.  Going to see if I can get an ID as not sure if Monomorium, Pheidole, etc.

 

Other thing I noticed today is the Camponotus Myrmentoma colony residing in an enclosure outside has alates.  Guessing overwintering as they typically fly in May.

[Aquaexploder]

Small Tetramorium flight today.

Edited by Aquaexploder, August 26 2017 - 6:37 PM.

[Nathant2131]

Now that I've been gone for over a week, I surveyed that area to check for flights, changes, etc.  Today I noticed today three small hills about the size of quarters with *very* tiny light brown ants coming out.

I would say Solenopsis molesta.

[ctantkeeper]

 

 

What is everyone here's favorite species/genus in New England?

Jeeze, its like choosing between two of your children lol. Here is my top 4 list of my favorite native species : 
 
4. Temnothorax (the whole genus)
3. Solenopsis molesta 
2. Pheidole pilifera
1. Monomorium emarginatum

Ok cool just curious because maybe I'll can keep my eye out for them next year.

 

The species that I had mentioned are those that I enjoy observing in the wild the most (forgot to add Aphaenogaster spp. as my fith favorite to observe, guess it didn't occur to me at the time). My favorite ant species to rear are Tetramorium sp.e, Lasius neoniger, Monomorium emarginatum and Aphaenogaster spp. (in no particular order).

[Connectimyrmex]

Hey ct, do you want my Temnothorax longispinosus colony? It's one queen and maybe ten workers.

[ctantkeeper]

Hey ct, do you want my Temnothorax longispinosus colony? It's one queen and maybe ten workers.

That's very nice of you, but since I only have so much time to care for the colonies I currently own, I would want to get the most out of the experience of owning them. What I mean by this is that I would want to collect an older colony with a larger population and some alates if I were to decide to rear them. Thanks though, but I feel as though I might try to find my own.

[noebl1]

 

Now that I've been gone for over a week, I surveyed that area to check for flights, changes, etc.  Today I noticed today three small hills about the size of quarters with *very* tiny light brown ants coming out.

I would say Solenopsis molesta.

 

 

I think you nailed it

[Nathant2131]

Decided to get myself lost in the Dracut-Lowell State Forest today. Pretty fun to explore around in there. I was finding TONS of Lasius (flavus-group) colonies with alates of both genders in them. I also found one Lasius (claviger-group) nest with alates also.

[Nathant2131]

Today's notable finds in the Dracut Lowell State Forest: 

 

- Two Formica sp. dealate queens under a small rock, possibly coexisting together. I could only catch one as they were very fast and easily got hidden in the surrounding leaves and what not. ID Thread: http://www.formicult...chusetts-83017/

 

They seem to be a slave raider species or temporary social parasite; Not sure of the other possibilities though; I'll have to do some reading in the New England Field Guide.

 

 

- Myrmecina americana colony under a rock with both male and female alates.

 

 

-Cute Bullfrog. 

 

[Leo]

nice

[noebl1]

Yah! We're back...

 

On 9/2 around noon found a Formica alate on the ground; looks very much like a subintegra.  Hoping to post a pic today for positive idea now that FC is back before I let her go.

 

Also the Lasius neoniger mounds here are prepping for flights right now.  Entrances are widened and alates crowding the openings.  If like last year, they didn't fly until evening before sunset, and will be a bunch of flights (so don't fret if they don't fly today or you don't find any).  Other Lasius sp. however did start flying a bit earlier in the day.  Remember to wait until they land after their mating flight, as catching them as they leave the nest means infertile

 

Keep an eye out for Ponera, Myrmica and Brachymyrmex in the coming weeks as well.  Any 80 degree day, especially a day or two after rains is good odds something will be flying from now into early October.  Dragonflies will be fat and happy for a bit eating them.

 

My Lasius alienus pair I caught back in July both have brood piles.  Still not sure if fertile, but will know soon if like last season.

 

All of my Temnothorax now have nanitics which are incredibly tiny so easy to miss.

[noebl1]

Here they are... see if they actually fly tonight or a false start:

[Salmon]

My Phediole queen is doing well and has growing larvae. Sorry, no pictures... still trying not to disturb her.

[Nathant2131]

Hahaha.... they definitely flew, and they were still going strong when I called it a day and went inside some a few mins back back.. Lasius neoniger flying by the masses, right in my yard. The swarming was crazy, and the alates were mating all over my head, which was... an experience. Pics coming soon, like minutes soon!

[noebl1]

Hahaha.... they definitely flew, and they were still going strong when I called it a day and went inside some a few mins back back.. Lasius neoniger flying by the masses, right in my yard. The swarming was crazy, and the alates were mating all over my head, which was... an experience. Pics coming soon, like minutes soon!

 

 

Amazing the difference a dozen or so miles makes.  I just checked and they were still stacked up around the entrances, and found one lone alate walking up the driveway about 100' away.  I didn't see any bodies from dragonflies either and I've been out the last few hours.  Guessing they haven't flown here fully yet.  Gotta love weather   It never hit 80 here I noticed, so wonder if just didn't make it temp wise.

[Nathant2131]

 

 

 

 

 

Random wing I found in some rocks:

 

 

 

 

When you looked at the sky, there was so much stuff flying, it was nuts. I caught quite a few queens in my hand while flying.

[noebl1]

@Nathant2131 Nice shots!

 

I just looked at the weather from today, and stations to the east of RT3 broke 80, while our high was 76.  Also noticed the alate I got is more than likely not a Lasius neoniger as she's quite yellow in color.  I may go out later tonight with the flashlight in case some other stuff flew, but I think it was pretty idle here.

[Aquaexploder]

I set out my light trap tonight, think I'll catch any stragglers?

[Nathant2131]

I set out my light trap tonight, think I'll catch any stragglers?

Right now I'm seeing leftover males perched on the porch , looking out my window. Maybe.

[Aquaexploder]

No luck tonight.