Queen ID Columbia SC

[arroavantho]

Hi y'all! New here, so needing some help on this ID.

She's a 8mm dark brown ant that was collected on 9/22 from a gravel parking lot in Harbison State Forest. It had rained briefly the previous day. Although it's hard to tell, I'm pretty sure she has wing scars. Sorry for the low picture quality, it's the best I could do with my iPhone and a magnifying glass.

https://imgur.com/a/TuPXP

My initial guess is that she's S. invicta, which I didn't think flew this time of year. My untrained eyes may be lying to me.

I've been trying to leave her alone after checking her frequently the first couple days based on reading this site's forum, last checked on her yesterday. She had not laid any eggs yet.

[Batspiderfish]

Solenopsis invicta is obviously not native to this environment, so they will fly whenever they get the opportunity.

[arroavantho]

makes sense. thanks!

[arroavantho]

Considering killing her if that's the case... I want ants, but I don't have the time or space to do fire ants. And I am not releasing an invasive species.

[Batspiderfish]

I'm sure she would make a nice specimen for a collection. You might end up finding this species in different color combinations.

[arroavantho]

That's a neat idea, although I do not know how to do that! Where can I find info on making an insect collection?

[Nathant]

That's a neat idea, although I do not know how to do that! Where can I find info on making an insect collection?

http://www.formiculture.com/index.php/topic/801-pinning-ants-for-viewing-under-microscope

[Batspiderfish]

Honestly, I just freeze them and throw them into some ethanol, although they will not last indefinitely this way.

[arroavantho]

Thanks y'all! Still haven't decided to kill her yet, might see if I can nab a queen of a different genus before winter hits in full. Gonna search the forums for some advice on finding them.