7 replies to this topic

[ZllGGY]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Laramie, Wyoming
2. Date of collection: 6/25/18
3. Habitat of collection: Pebble and dirt mixture next to a fishing pond
4. Length (from head to gaster): workers are 5mm and the queens are around 5mm or 6mm, they were hiding and had their bodies contorted so not super exact
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: queen one has an all red body and a lighter red gaster, queen two has a red body with a blackish gaster
6. Distinguishing characteristics: they are a polygonous colony so both queens are raising the colony
7. Distinguishing behavior: non noticed so far other than one always tearing at the cotton to escape
8. Nest description: pebbly dirt mixture and also shallow nest, maybe one CM below the surface if that

9. Nuptial flight time and date: N/A

 

Album: Ant ID 6/25/18

6 images

0 comments

 

[Batspiderfish]

Myrmica sp.

[ZllGGY]

Oh nice didn't think i would have myrmica in my area. Any info i can give to try and give exact species?

[Batspiderfish]

Myrmica are notoriously difficult to identify without microscopic examination of dead specimens by an expert.

[ZllGGY]

Myrmica are notoriously difficult to identify without microscopic examination of dead specimens by an expert.

darn oh well thanks man atleast i know the species

[ZllGGY]

so been doing some research on what it could be exactly and i think i have narrowed it down to M. Monticola as the description of what they nest in sounds like the environment i was able to find them in. Although they have not been observed to be polygynous so from what i read i could also have a parasitic queen? Very complex species for sure

[Batspiderfish]

Definitely add the cf. in there! (e.g. Myrmica cf. monticola)

[ZllGGY]

Definitely add the cf. in there! (e.g. Myrmica cf. monticola)

will definitely add that when i start doing the journal for this colony.  Myrmica cf. monticola Thanks again Batspiderfish