Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I went out to get some P. Californicus for my DHL's, 2 of which will eat either P. Rugosus or Cali's, but one is pretty picky and will not eat as many P. Rugosus.
Anyways, I thought I'd hike up this hill and see what I could see. I had 4 vials of P. Cali's and was just looking around. I saw what looked like an ant hole but not typical of any I had previously collected so I dug into it and these guys scrambled out! I have no idea what they are and have never seen them before here in the desert. Huge things!
Can you ID them Gordon?
Cheers!

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Cable
Those look like Camponotus sansabaenus, A very common chaparral and high desert ant. Although they are "carpenter ants" by definition, it is not uncommon to find them nesting in the soil.

Thanks for the ID Gordon. Do you know where I can find more info on them?
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Hey Gordon,
I went back out to the same spot, this time by moonlight (after Jeff let me know they are nocturnal). I was able to find more, but they still seem pretty scarce. Not as numerous as pogos. And they hide when they sense movement.
Here is a pic of what I collected.
Thanks again for the ID.

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You didn't do too bad, they are tremendously skittish, any light will send them running. It is getting a little cool for them as well since they are primarily nocturnal. I haven't seen any at my place for several months.