Found with @cheetolord02, his observation is linked here: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/149703302
I dug out and moved a complete nest that was too close to our balcony.
my favorite find of this years trip!
Several Solenopsis workers found inside a Pheidole tepicana colony. Worker morphology appears to suggest S. phoretica-group; when compared to known workers of Solenopsis enigmatica (A phoretica-group species from Dominica known from queens and workers), certain similarities are noticeable, such as the sparse pilosity and 10-segmented antennae. 4 Solenopsis workers and a full series of Pheidole tepicana were collected, and will be properly pinned and imaged by Arizona State University soon. I will update this observation with those pictures once I get them.
In the wild, these ants were observed inside the nest chambers of Pheidole tepicana. One worker was observed carrying a pupa. These ants seemed to follow the trails of P. tepicana inside the nest. After collection, Pheidole tepicana workers were observed carrying the Solenopsis workers, who curled into a pupal position (4th image). Thanks to @mason_s for the high quality live images.
S. phoretica-group is not yet known from Arizona, nor have they been associated with P. tepicana.
Short video from the encounter with these ants in the wild: https://youtu.be/dOIiEoAoesc
Single gyne and >100 workers found under rock
So, this is a polyergus bilateral gynandromorph! ½ worker caste (red), ½ alate (black). The mandibles, eyes, single wing, and antennae are the more obvious caste traits reflected in each half of this individual. Found them shortly after leaving the colony possibly (I found one a few feet away).
See: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/124878696
& https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/124879042
Observed on a Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) tree. Approx. 3-4mm.
found in (and returned to) soil while gardening
Recently described by M. Prebus in 2021, the type collection is from Boca Chica TX, where the SpaceX launchpad is located. An explosion of a SpaceX rocket on 30 March 2021 prompted outrage from the biologist and naturalist community.
Following the subsequent damage of relatively pristine endangered habitat from rocket debris and 4WD vehicle recovery efforts, it was decided to name this species after SpaceX CEO and founder Elon Musk.
The species epithet misomoschus means "hatred of Musk".
I'm somewhat sure this is mysticum since queens were flying, but I'm having trouble distinguishing from M. rogeri. The clypeus looks round enough for mysticum...
Extracted from under the bark of a dead log. Log had been pointed out to me by Fielisy "Fidel" Bemaheva, who is an extremely knowledgeable old hand at Madagascar ants.
Found by station manager Santatra Tototsara. Apparently attracted to white sheets around noon.
A very large amount of larvae in nest of Tetramorium caespitum. Easily recognized by the hairless head. Fourth Danish record, and the first from Jutland. On the 21st of April, almost all of the collected larvae had pupated. On the 4th of May, most were fully developed adults.
Very square head. Body length 6mm.
fedding the brood with a Geophilidae centipede.
Larvae kept excreting clear droplets concentrating the intake
Found under a rock. Coolest ants I've ever seen! I think some either had no eyes or extremely small eyes.
A single worker found at the edge of a hardwood/conifer forest remnant. Microhabitat a pine needle bed over a red clay and humus mixture under an American sweetgum tree. Other ants present included Brachymyrmex depilis, Crematogaster cf. lineolata, and Aphaenogaster fulva-rudis-texana complex sp. Collected using a Davis sifter.
collected by members of the Elias Lab: https://nature.berkeley.edu/eliaslab/
Location approximate
Third Danish record. In nest of Tetramorium caespitum
Brevard County Enchanted Forest Sanctuary