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| 1 | 2 |  » Stats |
Members: 50,153
Threads: 82,335
Posts: 853,194
Top Poster: glsammy (15,069)
| | Welcome to our newest member, NeilYoungForever | |  | 
19-05-2010, 04:14 PM
|  | Wild Member | | Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Picardie, France
Posts: 167
| | | ant ID
Is it possible for someone to id this ant for me please. We have a very busy nest in the garden at the moment. The ant seemed about 9mm long not including legs! 
My son is suffering an allergic reaction at the moment possibly due to ant bites, wondering if he sat on their nest! |
19-05-2010, 06:58 PM
|  | Knight Grand Cross of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: London
Posts: 11,830
| | | Re: ant ID
Evening FF,
It's probably a Formica species, but I couldn't say for sure without a specimen to key-out. I forgot you're in France - I'm not too familiar with your ants - you may have different ones to us! 
Any chance you could carefully trap one to measure/photograph at different angles? Legs, antennae, head, etc.
Take care, Jason 
Last edited by Jason Green; 19-05-2010 at 07:04 PM.
|
19-05-2010, 07:51 PM
| | Wild Member | | Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Picardie, France
Posts: 167
| | | Re: ant ID
Thanks Jason
I could give it a go but have to admit I am a bit skittish of insects and am not much of a photographer.
Can you advise me whats the best way to trap it and keep it still for photographing? and what sort of background should i use to get the best pictures? |
19-05-2010, 08:58 PM
| | Knight Grand Cross of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: London
Posts: 11,830
| | | Re: ant ID
You could try a clear pot (to prevent it running out of shot all the time!), sealed and keep it in the fridge for a little while to take the edge off it's energy before trying again. |
16-06-2010, 03:55 PM
| | Wild Member | | Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Picardie, France
Posts: 167
| | | Re: ant ID
|
16-06-2010, 09:34 PM
| | Knight Grand Cross of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: London
Posts: 11,830
| | | Re: ant ID
Hi Jane,
Glad you tried. It keys out as Formica fusca ( based on size and two-tone body - very scientific!  ), but couldn't be certain given it's a French specimen and my key is British.
Take care, Jason | | |
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