Formicidae, May 2008, Croatia [Messor wasmanni]

[xespok]

I think this is a Messor sp. Can it be identified to species? Are the large ants soldiers and the small ones workers? The large specinmens were around 8-9 mm, the smaller ones cc 4-5 mm. The nest with the seeds was found under a boulder.

[wanderameise]

really beautiful. pls catch one for me

[Boro]

Hallo xespok!
This is Messor wasmanni, look here please:
http://www.ameisenforum.de/fotoberichte/33826-4-tagesausflug-nach-istrien.html
Best regards Boro

and here: http://www.ameisenforum.de/fotoberichte/28570-3-tagesausflug-nach-istrien-11-4-07-a.html
http://www.ameisenforum.de/fotoberichte/25146-zweiter-tagesausflug-nach-istrien-ostern.html

[swagman]

Hello

This species is polymorphic. That means, the worker differ in size and shape.
The big ones are only workers, because their task is mainly to chop up the large seeds. They do serve as soldiers though, but it´s not their normal bering.
True soldiers are considered to do defense as their main task. Nevertheless, soldiers as well are doing further jobs if needed.

[Necturus]

Hello xespok,
thank you for sharing your pictures with us:)

[xespok]

Hallo xespok!
This is Messor wasmanni, look here please:
http://www.ameisenforum.de/fotoberichte/33826-4-tagesausflug-nach-istrien.html
Best regards Boro

and here: http://www.ameisenforum.de/fotoberichte/28570-3-tagesausflug-nach-istrien-11-4-07-a.html
http://www.ameisenforum.de/fotoberichte/25146-zweiter-tagesausflug-nach-istrien-ostern.html

Vielen dank!