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What species of ant? #562024

Asked May 16, 2019, 10:57 PM EDT

Hello,
We recently moved into our first house and have noticed several ant colonies/hills in sunny spots of the yard. Could you help me identify? The last two images are from the same hill. We have three little girls who are very curious about "mean vs. nice" insects and they would love to hear from a professional. Thank you!
Jessica

Elbert County Colorado

Expert Response

I think you have two different ants here. You need a microscope to id ants with any degree of certainty, but I think the second and third images are some species of Formica. According to http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/ants-in-the-home-5-518/ they are among the most common ants found in yards and gardens and are observed in homes most commonly in spring (Figure 4). They are black or reddish-brown and black ants of medium size (3/16-1/3 inch) and sometimes are mistaken for carpenter ants. They nest outdoors in loose soil and some produce mounds that incorporate twigs, dried leaves and other plant materials. Migrations into homes occur in spring when soils warm enough to cause colonies to resume activity but cool temperatures prevent normal foraging in yards. Field ants feed on a variety of foods but most often are observed visiting sweet honeydew excreted by aphids and or other sweet materials. 

The first might be a Myrmica, but I'm much less certain about this one. 





Frank Peairs, Emeritus Professor of Entomology Replied May 17, 2019, 3:19 PM EDT

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