6 replies to this topic

[Jamiesname]

Location: Northeastern Michigan (lower penninsula)

Date: 9-5-18

Habitat: Pool in a yard surrounded by oaks, maples and pines.

Length: Ranges - see pics

Coloration: All three are reddish brown, with lighter colored legs.

Distinguishing Characteristics: None known.

Nuptial Flight: Not witnessed

Other info: I've been catching these in a kiddie pool "trap". I can't believe how many queens this produces btw. At least one a day for me right now, sometimes several - and an assortment of species as well.

I know it's hard to pinpoint Myrmica without a microscope. All I would like to know is if these are a Myrmica sp. or something else. I think they are Myrmica, but the variation in size is really throwing me off. Any help is appreciated.

Pics are separated into three groups:

[Group 1] - 6mm - 6.5mm

















[Group 2] 4mm - 4.5mm











[Queen 3] 6.5mm - 7mm

Edited by Jamiesname, September 5 2018 - 5:35 PM.

[LC3]

These all appear to be Myrmica.

[VoidElecent]

The second queen could be Stenamma sp. or Myrmecina americana, we'll need better photos.

[LC3]

The second queen could be Stenamma sp. or Myrmecina americana, we'll need better photos.

 

The last two photos quite evidently shows that they aren't M. americana, also with the given information Myrmica seems to match much closely than Stenamma. Unless the all queens listed under queen #2 aren't the same species.

Edited by LC3, September 5 2018 - 8:36 PM.

[AntsAreUs]

I can say right now that the last 2 photos of queen #2 are different from the previous. I am positive queen #2 is Myrmecina americana. Also they are NOT polygynous, do not keep them together. I also think the others are Myrmica like LC3.

Edited by AntsAreUs, September 6 2018 - 7:16 AM.

[Jamiesname]

I may have gotten the group 2 pics mixed, I had so many pics it got a little confusing. I'm 100% sure groups 1 and 3 aren't mixed. I'll get more pics of group 2 only and post them this afternoon.

[LC3]

The last two pics in group #2 are clearly Myrmica while the first 4 appear to be Myrmecina americana.