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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2012 18:55:06 GMT 1
Hey guys, just wanted to know the differences between the main Myrmica species in the U.K. I've read its down to the size of the queen, but there must be more ways to distinguish between species?
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2012 21:24:19 GMT 1
Something to do with antennae? and location
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2012 21:33:45 GMT 1
Yes, I believe the antennae difference is between Myrmica Rubra and Myrmica Ruginodis. Other species include Sabuleti (wich are often found on low ground). As well a Myrmica Scarbrinodis, which I know 0 information on.  |
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Post by Myrm on May 23, 2012 21:37:06 GMT 1
Another method of differentiating between rubra and ruginodis is the length of the epitonal spines.
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2012 22:06:39 GMT 1
Myrmica are amongst the most difficult ants to properly identify, and it usually comes down to microscopic examination of the frontal lobes, antennal scapes, and petioles. I imagine Myrmica are frequently misidentified.
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2012 1:43:46 GMT 1
Thanks guys, I only ask because I always see Myrmica everywhere and wondered if there was a way to tell with the naked eye. However I have a powerful microscope to hand ;D So any information as to what specifics each species has that differes from the others would be great  |
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2012 2:40:50 GMT 1
Microscopes that are too powerful can be a pain to use with objects as large as ants, but it really beats a magnifying glass. You should find a good species key. I'm not too familiar with any for British fauna, but I'm sure Myrm has one. A free book which I find myself using fairly often is fairly old, but contains descriptions and lots of information for many common species found in the UK, at least as they were understood 100 years ago. The author of this, Donisthorpe, likes to call Lasius " Donisthorpea".  books.google.com/books?id=WIA9muMjHlAC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false |
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Post by Myrm on May 24, 2012 5:30:37 GMT 1
...You should find a good species key. I'm not too familiar with any for British fauna, but I'm sure Myrm has one.... I have this one which is on my main website. |
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2012 12:55:22 GMT 1
Ah Myrm thats just what I need!  EXALT EXALT EXALT! ;D I shall definately look at the book too, thanks guys |
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EXALT EXALT EXALT! ;D I shall definately look at the book too, thanks guys