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Insects of Prairie Creek

Click on an image to find out more about the insect.

If visitors have photos of animals or plants taken at Prairie Creek WMA, please share them with Craig Koester.
Butterflies at Prairie Creek
American Lady
Black Swallowtail
Monarch Caterpillar
Red Admiral

Ant Species at Prairie Creek

 

In Spring 2016, Carleton College students were able to find and identify four different ant species at Prairie Creek: Camponotus Americanus, Formica Obscuripes, Tetramorium Caespitum, and Crematogaster Cerasi.

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There may be over a dozen ant species at Prairie Creek.  Further research should be conducted to assess the total ant species diversity present at Prairie Creek.

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Camponotus Americanus

 

This is a species of carpenter ant, found at the top of the big hill across from the house. These ants typically nest in soil.

 

Tetramorium Caespitum

 

This ant species is typically found near rocks so it is not unusual that this ant was found  near the rocks on the big hill at Prairie Creek.  

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Formica Obscuripes

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This species of ant was found in large mounds also on top of the big hill across from the house. This was unsurprising because this ant usually forms large mounds of dirt and plant material.

 

Crematogaster Cerasi

 

This species of ant, typically found in soil, has the ability to use its abdomen to sting prey. This ant was found on the smaller hill further away.

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