Favoritos de vitormmoura

A single dealate queen was found in a small wash, probably a straggler from a daytime/morning flight. It appears to be the same species as the first phoretica queen found in Arizona, but it is difficult to tell without proper specimen photos for both of them, as a lot of specific features seem to be very dependent on the angle. There are some minor (although probably not notable) differences. Specifically the hair length on the head, mesoscutellar disc, and gaster (maybe). Possibly also the antennal scape length.

Didn't believe my eyes when I first saw it, I never expected that they would actually go this far north. This opens up their range a whole lot, although I do think that they'd still be more common in the south.

Not associated with any other ants, but hyatti, xerophila, and micula are the most common (or at least most conspicuous) Pheidole species in the area. P. rhea may also be present, but I haven't seen them here yet.

An undescribed (this being the first documentation as far as I’m aware) social parasite of Solenopsis pergandei that strongly resembles its host but with several key differences: queens are half the size of S. pergandei queens, have a smaller gaster/eyes, longer hairs, and a larger head relative to thorax. Cooperates in colony foundation alongside freshly mated S. pergandei queens with no apparent aggression.

Several Solenopsis workers found inside a Pheidole tepicana colony. Worker morphology appears to suggest S. phoretica-group; when compared to known workers of Solenopsis enigmatica (A phoretica-group species from Dominica known from queens and workers), certain similarities are noticeable, such as the sparse pilosity and 10-segmented antennae. 4 Solenopsis workers and a full series of Pheidole tepicana were collected, and will be properly pinned and imaged by Arizona State University soon. I will update this observation with those pictures once I get them.

In the wild, these ants were observed inside the nest chambers of Pheidole tepicana. One worker was observed carrying a pupa. These ants seemed to follow the trails of P. tepicana inside the nest. After collection, Pheidole tepicana workers were observed carrying the Solenopsis workers, who curled into a pupal position (4th image). Thanks to @mason_s for the high quality live images.

S. phoretica-group is not yet known from Arizona, nor have they been associated with P. tepicana.

Short video from the encounter with these ants in the wild: https://youtu.be/dOIiEoAoesc

A large colony was found under a rock nesting directly next to a Nyladeria sp. (austroccidua?) colony.

The colony had around 100 workers and a large amount of brood, all larvae of similar size. They were observed eating termites (Reticulitermes sp.) and Lasius sitiens brood in captivity.

A very cool species to see in real life. Thanks to @cheetolord02 for spotting it.