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!

San Diego 6/4/18 (S. molesta?)

Started By Straywolf94 , Jun 4 2018 6:00 PM

Please log in to reply

8 replies to this topic

#1 Offline Straywolf94 - Posted June 4 2018 - 6:00 PM

Advanced Member

Members
106 posts

I set up a blacklight bucket in my backyard over the weekend. $12 light bulb, $3 bucket, $1 punch bowl from dollar store, and a white trash bag.

Caught 2 ants which I think are S. molesta queens. Please help me ID. Thanks!

1. Location (on a map) of collection: San Diego home near Canyon Preserve (https://goo.gl/maps/eT3cxLJUs282)
2. Date of collection: 6/3/2018
3. Habitat of collection: backyard, canyon
4. Length (from head to gaster): 7-8mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: amber, orange, dark
6. Distinguishing characteristics: oval like gaster
7. Distinguishing behavior:
8. Nest description: n/a

9. Nuptial flight time and date: n/a

Scrixx likes this

#2 Offline dspdrew - Posted June 4 2018 - 6:04 PM

Owner

Administrator
9,835 posts

LocationSanta Ana, CA

Sure looks like Solenopsis molesta.

Enderz likes this

My Ant Colonies | My Projects | Ants for Sale | Ant Keeping Products | Southern California Ant Map

#3 Offline Scrixx - Posted June 4 2018 - 6:37 PM

Advanced Member

Members
274 posts

LocationSan Bernardino County, CA.

I agree with S. molesta. Also I like your lighting setup. I can't see anything sliding down into the hole though. Most would probably be resting on the plastic.

ScrixxAnts Queen Adoption

YouTube: View my ants

Keeping: ~~Camponotus sansabeanus - C. vicinus - Formica francoeuri - Liometopum occidentale - Pogonomyrmex californicus - P. rugosus~~ ~~- P. subnitidus - Solenopsis molesta - S. xyloni - Tapinoma sessile - Temnothorax sp.~~

Journals: ~~Camponotus sansabeanus & C. vicinus |~~ ~~Pogonomyrmex californicus & P. rugosus | Solenopsis molesta & S. xyloni~~

Discontinued: ~~Pogonomyrmex subnitidus~~

#4 Offline Straywolf94 - Posted June 4 2018 - 7:05 PM

Advanced Member

Members
106 posts

One queen was spotted on the plastic, another queen in the bucket. Found a lot of male alates in both the plastic and bucket. I put babypowder on the plastic and there is a plastic funnel in the hole coated with baby powder as well. It could probably be better if I got a white funnel like Drew had.

Edited by Straywolf94, June 4 2018 - 7:11 PM.

#5 Offline Solenoqueen - Posted June 4 2018 - 7:19 PM

Advanced Member

Members
360 posts

LocationSan Diego

I see there is finally another San Diego ant hunter here. I witnessed a S. Molesta nuptial flight all the way at Lake Hodges on Saturday, so that could make for an explanation? Also, nice setup!