Ants We've Found:

Aphaenogaster subterranea

We found Aphaenogaster in only one instance during the ant survey.

Brachymyrmex depilis

The small, stout, and gold bodies of these ants make them easy to identify in the field. Workers were generally collected under grassy lawns near trees

Camponotus nearcticus

The ant genus Camponotus contains ants that are entirely arboreal (live in trees). The Camponotus ants collected during this survey were almost all found at night - providing evidence that this is a nocturnal ant. We found these specimens in trees near the Mariott library and the OSH around midnight.

Formica argantea

F. argatea were seldomly found during the ant survey. They are extremely agile and quick, making collecting them a memorable experience. These ants were only found at one site under a large conifer.

Formica neoclara

F. neoclara were found at several sites during the ant survey, and were always on or near trees (perhaps farming aphids).

Hypoponera opacior

These ants look incredibly similar to Ponera pennsylvanica. Happily, the sub-petiolar process of P. pennsylvanica has a small round hole in it - a feature that is lacking in this Hypoponera. H. opacior was typically found in both grassy lawn and mulch habitats.

Lasius crypticus

This species of Lasius was found under a birch tree on upper campus.

Lasius neoniger

L. neoniger was found several times during the ant survey. It was always on or near large trees.

Monomorium ergatogyna

These ants were found on flowers (convolvulaceae) on upper campus in a sandy habitat.

Ponera pennsylvanica

P. Pennsylvanica was our second most abundant and prevalent ant on campus. These ants tended to be found in the soil of garden beds and occasionally below ground in grassy lawn patches.

Solenopsis molesta

S. molesta was often found (in small numbers) at mulchy garden areas. S. molesta is known as the "Thief Ant" for reasons explained here

Tapinoma sessile

These fascinating ants were found on a birch tree in the OSH garden. T. sessile is prevalent throughout North America, and known to be highly successive when it comes to invading urban environments. Urban colonies tend to have thousands of ants from multiple nests, all working together (Learn more here )! Colonies that have more than 1 nest are called polydomous.

Temnothorax nitens

Temnothorax ants were often found in mulched areas. Several studies have shown that when their nest is destroyed, Temnothorax ants show the remarkable ability to choose the best new dwelling when presented with multiple potential nests (see Househunting: Temnothorax nitens ). This is remarkable because individual ants are not able to visit, evaluate, and compare all options (most ants visit only one potential new nest). The colony's ability to choose the best new potential nest is an emergent property.

Temnothorax rugatulus

See above.

Tetramorium caespitum

Tetramorium caespitum are better known as pavement ants. These ants are most commonly noticed while engaged in enormous battles on sidewalks. Battles occur right here on campus, and usually consist of thousands of ants (see our Amazing Ants page for more information)! Tetramorium ants occurred at almost every patch surveyed. They are easily the most prevalent and abundant ant on campus.