Javascript Disabled Detected

You currently have javascript disabled. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality.

Welcome to Formiculture.com!

This is a website for anyone interested in Myrmecology and all aspects of finding, keeping, and studying ants. The site and forum are free to use. Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation points to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!

Is this an ant hole?

Started By dean_k , Oct 13 2014 4:49 AM

Please log in to reply

10 replies to this topic

#1 Offline dean_k - Posted October 13 2014 - 4:49 AM

Advanced Member

Members
845 posts

LocationWaterown, Ontario, Canada

Heya, I think I may have found an ant hole that a new queen dug. It is from my front yard where there was a Lasius mating flight 3 weeks ago. So, I think it is possible that a queen chose to settle down on this spot.

Is it ?

If so, I may dig it up.

#2 Offline Crystals - Posted October 13 2014 - 6:21 AM

Advanced Member

Moderators
2,048 posts

LocationAthabasca, AB (Canada)

How big is that hole?

Most queens will quickly block the hole up if they are fully claustral.

That particular one reminds me of the entrance to a bumble bee nest I once found, but I can't tell for sure if this is the same or not.

"Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astound the rest." -- Samuel Clemens

List of Handy Links (pinned in the General section)

My Colonies

#3 Offline dean_k - Posted October 13 2014 - 6:34 AM

Advanced Member

Members
845 posts

LocationWaterown, Ontario, Canada

0.5 cm or so.

#4 Offline Alza - Posted October 13 2014 - 8:49 PM

Advanced Member

Members
864 posts

LocationThe Village

that's how the brachymyrmex near me dig their holes. except a lot smaller

#5 Offline dermy - Posted October 15 2014 - 6:34 AM

Advanced Member

Members
1,392 posts

LocationCanada

Maybe it's a type of solitary bee, bumble bee holes would be guarded you'd think, unless there season is over [which I think around here it is.]

How to post photos | Forum Rules | The List of Handy Links

#6 Offline dean_k - Posted October 15 2014 - 6:56 AM

Advanced Member

Members
845 posts

LocationWaterown, Ontario, Canada

I am leaning toward to a bee nest. And yeah the season is over here.

#7 Offline dermy - Posted October 15 2014 - 7:41 AM

Advanced Member

Members
1,392 posts

LocationCanada

I'd say dig it up and see but if it is an ant nest you might hurt them. But bee-nests look really cool.

How to post photos | Forum Rules | The List of Handy Links

#8 Offline dean_k - Posted October 15 2014 - 7:44 AM

Advanced Member

Members
845 posts

LocationWaterown, Ontario, Canada

I am inclined not to because there has been a warning that bee population has been on a rapid decline in the area.

#9 Offline dermy - Posted October 15 2014 - 7:46 AM

Advanced Member

Members
1,392 posts

LocationCanada

If it was a bee hive it would have been bombus sp. which do not make perennial colonies, and restart every year.

How to post photos | Forum Rules | The List of Handy Links

#10 Offline dean_k - Posted October 15 2014 - 8:37 AM

Advanced Member

Members
845 posts

LocationWaterown, Ontario, Canada

I am fairly positive that it is a new hole because I tendered the garden some months ago and it wasn't there.

At first, I assumed it was an ant hole because there was a mating flight few weeks ago, but there are also a lot of bees around my house, so I guess it could also be a bee hole. The hole is too big for the Lasius sp, so I am fairly positive that it's a bee hole.