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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies (Hymenoptera) » Aculeata - Bees, Ants, and other Stinging Wasps » Vespoidea » Ants (Formicidae) » Myrmicinae » Temnothorax
Photo#51892
small yellow ant - Temnothorax
Copyright © 2006 tom murray

small yellow ant - Temnothorax
Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, USA
May 11, 2006
Size: 2.6mm
There was a 2 foot tall white pine tree that had all the needles eaten, so I looked for the insects that did it. What I did find was something else, a small nest made of dirt held together by a moist substance 3/4 way up the base of the small tree. I pulled it apart, and the next thing I knew, there were about 15 ants on my hand, but I didn't get any stings or bites.

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small yellow ant - Temnothorax small yellow ant - Temnothorax small yellow ant queen - Temnothorax - female small yellow ant queen - Temnothorax - female
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Contributed by tom murray on 11 May, 2006 - 11:28pm
Last updated 15 May, 2006 - 6:10am

Temnothorax sp. (Myrmicinae) - worker
I was fairly sure that one day you would find a species more typical of the genus than the black one. This is what I call a true Temnothorax! Strong caste dimorphism is quite typical too, and is associated with a clear tendency to momogyny.
Did you notice the large ocelli of the queen? They mean that nuptial flights take place mainly by night, or at least at dusk. As you stated, Temnothorax ants are usually quite peaceful towards people.
… Richard Vernier, 15 May, 2006 - 3:15am login or register to post comments

 
Typical Temnothorax
The queen sure does have big eyes compared to the workers. Thanks Richard. Now if it will stop raining, I can find some more ants.
… tom murray, 15 May, 2006 - 6:18am login or register to post comments

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