Spotting

yes you are right... it may not be very helpful after all... i guess i just liked it because it points out some `features` to look out for.. good look with the ID ))

Mr. reeds, if by sugar ants you mean 'Camponotus consobrinus', then this definitely is not it. Thanks or the link Alina, I'll try out the keys, though I think they mostly concern american ants.

thanks all!

Sugar Ant obviously

incredibly crisp shots! great capture!
maybe this will help you identify them: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/TOOLS/ANTKEY/...
i'm not sure -- i find it hard to ID insects...

Beautiful series. Very nice.

I gave up sugar, so they can have mine. These are great photos. I wish I could nominate for SOTD.

Thanks Neil. Those are sugar crystals.

These are fabulous photos! Beautiful clarity and composition. Are they hooked on rock salt? Well spotted.