19 replies to this topic

[SoySauce]

Hi everyone,

 

I thought this might be a m. mimicus again, but it's more of a reddish dark brown color.  It's about 9mm and I found it in it's founding chamber in the Culp Valley Natural Preserve.  The temperature was about 85 degrees.

 

 

Thank you in advance!

 

 

[SoySauce]

Anyone??? I'm dying from the suspense!

[Martialis]

Erm... isn't it against the law to remove organisms from nature preserves? If it isn't please correct me.

 

 

I think it's Prenolepis imparis.

Edited by Martialis, March 30 2017 - 5:54 PM.

[Alabama Anter]

I am pretty sure it isn't Mart... Drew and Nurbs get some of their ants from Joshua Tree. 

 

I think it is a Myrmecocystus mimicus.

[Martialis]

I am pretty sure it isn't Mart... Drew and Nurbs get some of their ants from Joshua Tree. 

 

I think it is a Myrmecocystus mimicus.

 

I heard they got it from around but not in the park. M. mimicus was my second guess. I couldn't see the maxillary palps.

[SoySauce]

Erm... isn't it against the law to remove organisms from nature preserves? If it isn't please correct me.

 

 

I think it's Prenolepis imparis.

Um, honestly I don't know.  The only signs posted were No Shooting or Camping.

[dspdrew]

Erm... isn't it against the law to remove organisms from nature preserves? If it isn't please correct me.

 

Pretty sure that is true. That's why I don't go to parks or preserves. I go very close sometimes, but I make sure I'm outside the boundaries.

 

 

@SoySauce

Can you get a picture from the side?

[SoySauce]

Here are some more pictures Drew:

 

She laid eggs already!

 

 

 

 

[SoySauce]

Erm... isn't it against the law to remove organisms from nature preserves? If it isn't please correct me.
 
 
I think it's Prenolepis imparis.

"The CDFW Lands Viewer provides geospatial data about the CDFW's lands and facilities. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife manages over 1,000,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat and these properties provide many opportunities for the public to hunt, fish, watch wildlife and learn about nature. Come visit and explore a wildlife area or ecological reserve near you!'

Taken from:

https://www.wildlife...places-to-visit

That list was all CA Reserves so I assume you can collect ants if you can hunt and fish in them.

[Cindy]

 

Erm... isn't it against the law to remove organisms from nature preserves? If it isn't please correct me.
 
 
I think it's Prenolepis imparis.

"The CDFW Lands Viewer provides geospatial data about the CDFW's lands and facilities. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife manages over 1,000,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat and these properties provide many opportunities for the public to hunt, fish, watch wildlife and learn about nature. Come visit and explore a wildlife area or ecological reserve near you!'

Taken from:

https://www.wildlife...places-to-visit

That list was all CA Reserves so I assume you can collect ants if you can hunt and fish in them.

 

You need a license to do those things. That being said I was unable to find any information about collecting ants 

[SoySauce]

 

 

Erm... isn't it against the law to remove organisms from nature preserves? If it isn't please correct me.
 
 
I think it's Prenolepis imparis.

"The CDFW Lands Viewer provides geospatial data about the CDFW's lands and facilities. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife manages over 1,000,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat and these properties provide many opportunities for the public to hunt, fish, watch wildlife and learn about nature. Come visit and explore a wildlife area or ecological reserve near you!'

Taken from:

https://www.wildlife...places-to-visit

That list was all CA Reserves so I assume you can collect ants if you can hunt and fish in them.

 

You need a license to do those things. That being said I was unable to find any information about collecting ants 

 

 

Well, I have them both so I guess I'm covered for hunting ants.

[Cindy]

LOL. I am sure that there are specifications on the hunting license (like, it's not like you can hunt any endangered species or when it's not hunting season). I found some more info online and apparently there is a "blanket permit" available for collecting insects and plants (the CSCA has one). You could email the California Department of Parks and Recreation or the National Parks Service to make sure you are 100% covered. 

 

https://www.cdfa.ca....tate_parks.html

[SoySauce]

I've actually talked to a couple of State Park Rangers while looking for queens and they were more inquisitive than anything.

[Cindy]

I've actually talked to a couple of State Park Rangers while looking for queens and they were more inquisitive than anything.

 

That's interesting but it doesn't answer the underlying question lol. Maybe someone else will have an answer because I am unable to find one.

[SoySauce]

Sure, maybe you can create a new thread to discuss. I'd just like Drew to ID my ant in this one

[dspdrew]

I was trying to see if the maxillary palps were long enough. I think that's probably Myrmecocystus testaceus.

[Martialis]

It's Myrmecocystus.

[SoySauce]

Thanks for the ID all, Drew.

[gcsnelling]

I've actually talked to a couple of State Park Rangers while looking for queens and they were more inquisitive than anything.

Enforcement varies from state park to state park and state to state, For example if you are caught collecting in Anza Borrego State Park in California, they will lock you up until the end of time. They take enforcement very seriously. In general California state parks are no collect zones. On the other hand I have collected with no issue in State parks in Arizona. The best policy is to avoid any and all parks, however if you just have to collect in a park check with the rangers or park staff. If they say it's ok the go for it ( maybe ask for permission in writing), but if they say it is not then don't period. Not only can you be cited you give entomologists or other researchers a bad name.

[SoySauce]

I've actually talked to a couple of State Park Rangers while looking for queens and they were more inquisitive than anything.

For example if you are caught collecting in Anza Borrego State Park in California, they will lock you up until the end of time.

Yikes! Can you imagine if that actually happened, what your conversation in prison would be like?

Inmate 1: what you in here for? I got life on a bs charge of arson and murder because I liked setting fires and someone was in a warehouse and died when I set it on fire.
Inmate 2: I got life cuz I was a cartel hitman and killed over 100 rival gang members.
Inmate 3: I was California's largest cocaine smuggler.
Inmate 4: I got life because I collected a queen ant at Anna Borrego State Park in California.

SILENCE

Inmate 1: what does that mean? You were a sex trafficer of gay dudes and got caught on federal land?
Inmate 4: no I like watching and raising ants...the insects...and I got life because I collected one in a State park without knowing the rules
Inmates 1-3: what the f??!

Lol

Edited by SoySauce, March 31 2017 - 5:25 PM.