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Photo#129194
Queen of Thief Ants - Solenopsis - female

Queen of Thief Ants - Solenopsis - Female
Sunnyvale, Santa Clara County, California, USA
June 14, 2007
Seen at night in an area illuminated by an outdoor fluorescent floodlight.

I think that the following category: Diplorhoptrum - Thief ants (fugax group) may have been created since the placement of this ant to Solenopsis with a view to separate fire ants from thief ants. Perhaps it belongs there?

Moved
Moved from Ants.

 
Diplorhoptrum - Thief ants (fugax group)?
I don't believe Diplorhoptrum - Thief ants (fugax group)was an option when I submitted this image. Does it belong there?

That is a "queen" Solenopsis
That is a "queen" Solenopsis species, something in the molesta species group. This group is in terrible taxonomic disarray so a more accurate Ident is not possible.

 
Thanks - it sounds like I am lucky to get this much information!
Molesta has an ominous ring, though. I'd better find out what I'm up against!

 
I wouldnt worry about it, the
I wouldnt worry about it, they are generally inoffensive soil nesting ants often called thief ants due to their habit of nesting adjacent to other ant colonies and stealing from them.

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