Difference between Formica and C. Pennsylvanicus?

Temporary placeholder

Moderators: ooper01, Trusted User

Locked
Brentonimore
Posts: 8
Joined: Sun Jun 17, 2018 10:11 am
Location: Idaho, USA

Difference between Formica and C. Pennsylvanicus?

Post: # 38012Post Brentonimore
Sun Jun 17, 2018 10:25 am

Is there a major difference between the two species other than color? Do Formica ants also make their homes in rotting wood, or is that just the Camponotas ants?

User avatar
Batspiderfish
Posts: 3315
Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2016 3:47 pm
Location: Maine

Re: Difference between Formica and C. Pennsylvanicus?

Post: # 38024Post Batspiderfish
Sun Jun 17, 2018 1:58 pm

Many ants nest in rotten wood asides from Camponotus, and many Camponotus do not nest in wood at all.

Camponotus means "bent back" because the top of its thorax is a smooth, unbroken bend. Ants like Formica have a saddle-like notch on their thorax. Color is very rarely a good tool for identification.
If you enjoy my expertise and identifications, please do not put wild populations at risk of disease by releasing pet colonies. We are responsible to give our pets the best care we can manage for the rest of their lives.

AntDudeUSA
Posts: 87
Joined: Sat May 12, 2018 5:33 pm
Location: North Carolina

Re: Difference between Formica and C. Pennsylvanicus?

Post: # 38050Post AntDudeUSA
Sun Jun 17, 2018 4:14 pm

In my area C.pen are usually bigger than the Formica ants we have
Keeper of
x1 Camponotus Penslyvanicus
x1 Formica Subscerica
x1 Tetramorium Caespitum
x1 Solenopsis Invicta
x1 Pheidole sp
x1 Dorymyrmex Bureni

Brentonimore
Posts: 8
Joined: Sun Jun 17, 2018 10:11 am
Location: Idaho, USA

Re: Difference between Formica and C. Pennsylvanicus?

Post: # 38107Post Brentonimore
Sun Jun 17, 2018 11:12 pm

Thanks for the info you guys! It was very helpful. Looks like I actually have a Camponotus!

User avatar
Batspiderfish
Posts: 3315
Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2016 3:47 pm
Location: Maine

Re: Difference between Formica and C. Pennsylvanicus?

Post: # 38109Post Batspiderfish
Sun Jun 17, 2018 11:22 pm

Brentonimore wrote:
Sun Jun 17, 2018 11:12 pm
Thanks for the info you guys! It was very helpful. Looks like I actually have a Camponotus!
That trick only applies to the workers. ;)

You may want to post an ID request for any queen-only colonies.
If you enjoy my expertise and identifications, please do not put wild populations at risk of disease by releasing pet colonies. We are responsible to give our pets the best care we can manage for the rest of their lives.

Brentonimore
Posts: 8
Joined: Sun Jun 17, 2018 10:11 am
Location: Idaho, USA

Re: Difference between Formica and C. Pennsylvanicus?

Post: # 38112Post Brentonimore
Sun Jun 17, 2018 11:30 pm

This is my first time raising ants, so I'm still a newbie. I'll post some pictures soon!

Locked

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests