8 replies to this topic

[Naturenut1233]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Damariscotta ME. 
2. Date of collection: 8-26-17
3. Habitat of collection: In my sandy yard which is surrounded by mixed hardwood and softwood woods
4. Length (from head to gaster): Not sure.... will measure tomorrow. Bugged it enough today. approx 3/4 the length of camponotus Pennsylvanicus Queen. Yeah I know that is real scientific. 
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Jet black. No other colors. 
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Looks very similar to black carpenter ant but just a bit smaller. The gaster has bands of glossy black and velvety black. 
7. Distinguishing behavior: Active, Not hostile. Moderately fast. Grooms a lot. Hard to photograph because it wouldn't hold still.

8. Nest description: none.

 

 

Edited by Naturenut1233, August 26 2017 - 6:41 PM.

[NZAntKeeper]

Formica?

[Naturenut1233]

I was thinking Formica but thought Formica did their nuptial flights in July, and here it's the end of August. Are Formica quite large? I'm new to identifying ants so forgive me for not knowing. 

[Nathant2131]

Formica queen. It is still their flight season.

[VoidElecent]

Formica subsericea; from what I know, they're slightly larger than most members of the fusca group.

[Nathant2131]

Formica subsericea; from what I know, they're slightly larger than most members of the fusca group.

We will need close ups of the scapes and gaster to ID her down to species.

[Naturenut1233]

K, thanks. I can't really get better pictures because my camera doesn't do close ups very clearly but maybe when I can borrow one I can do better. Nice to have it down to a general family of insects though. So basic test tube set up with her will work well? 

[Nathant2131]

K, thanks. I can't really get better pictures because my camera doesn't do close ups very clearly but maybe when I can borrow one I can do better. Nice to have it down to a general family of insects though. So basic test tube set up with her will work well?

That should be fine! She's fully claustral.

[Batspiderfish]

Formica subsericea are the latest-flying Formica I see in Maine -- I find them into September. We need an image of the front of the head and the antennal scapes to confirm.

Regarding your concerns that I heard elsewhere about test tubes: they are the ideal captive environment for ants in general. Your Camponotus queens probably died for other reasons than the humidity.

Edited by Batspiderfish, August 27 2017 - 6:52 PM.