5 replies to this topic

[ace2184]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Kent, Washington. Located about 20 miles south of Seattle, urban setting. Both alates caught during work. First was found in paved back lot. Second was found a couple hours later inside on staircase.
2. Date of collection: 7/13/17 (Thursday)
3. Habitat of collection: Urban/city environment. First was found outside, paved open lot, some areas of gravel/dirt. Second was found inside on staircase.
4. Length (from head to gaster): 3-5mm (Admittedly I just have a crappy tape measure, but they look to be around 4/32 on my tape measure.
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: (The tough part for me) Originally I thought they were black, but they seem to have a red tinge to them. Antenna and legs are lighter, almost a yellow. When closed their wings look to have two dark spots on them.
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Nothing credible to add at this time.
7. Distinguishing behavior: Though they both look to be the same species (to me), the first one has a noticeably bigger thorax and abdomen. First one also was more active at time of capture, chewing at cotton when first placed in test tube. Has stopped now.
8. Nest description: No know nearby nests to my knowledge. I've seen some nearby, but not in the immediate area.











If anyone needs more info, I'll do my best to comply.

[Nathant2131]

It seems like Tetramorium, but the measurements would be incorrect.

[BMM]

Based on the pictures, he probably misread the tape measure. It probably reads in 1/16" rather than 1/32". That would put it around 6.5mm, which seems more reasonable

[MrWeather]

Tetramorium sp e. Nice catch! They grow pretty quickly so you should get your first workers in like a month. I'm still looking for the rare pheidole sp queens in Washington though..

[ace2184]

It is very possible I read the tape measure wrong, though it does have 32nds on it. My first measurement I had 5-6mm, which I thought was too big.

[ace2184]

I'm thinking of marking this solved. I believer Nathan and MrWeather are correct compared to pictures online. I think in my reluctance to disturb them I was eyeballing the tape measure instead of getting accurate measurements.