Queen ID 6-27 Fairfax, VA

[vstrelow]

Queen found with brood inside small, soft log while looking for Camponotus in the woods near a creek. She measures about 8-9mm in length, has a very dark red color and species has a downward pointing gastor.

[vstrelow]

A second photo. The queen is on the right, this is her underside, she doesn't like to sit still until she's buried. The worker can be seen very well, though. The end of the gastor appears to be a lighter color, almost a tan, compared to the dark red body.

[vstrelow]

A few more pictures of the queen and worker. She's still making it very difficult to get a good shot, but I'm going to put them in the dark and leave them be, so I hope these help.

[AM1C39]

possibly some sort of myrmica.

[SYUTEO]

possibly some sort of myrmica.

Looks more like Aphaenogaster to me.

[vstrelow]

possibly some sort of myrmica.

Looks more like Aphaenogaster to me.

Thanks! After a bit of research, Aphaenogaster seems to make the most sense, particularly where she was found. I have found these in the past in Illinois as well, but never knew what they were.