9 replies to this topic

[MegaMyrmex]

So my C. Chromaoides colony has about 6 workers now but its down to 5 because one of the ants, the replete, died suddenly. It had gorged itself with honey and water so much that it became sluggish and and couldn't really move. I checked on them recently and, well, it seems like its dead. Its mouthparts are sticking out and its legs are splayed out. I don't know the ant's age since I caught this founding colony during winter. What could have killed this ant? It is barely moving but I did notice that its gaster was a bit pointier than usual, like a bee or wasp. However, if it was formic acid spraying, then the entire colony would have to suffer. Does anybody know what could have happened? Thanks!

Edited by MegaMyrmex, February 12 2018 - 4:41 AM.

[nurbs]

So my C. Chromaoides colony has about 6 workers now but its down to 1 because one of the ants, the replete, died suddenly. It had gorged itself with honey and water so much that it became sluggish and and couldn't really move. I checked on them recently and, well, it seems like its dead. Its mouthparts are sticking out and its legs are splayed out. I don't know the ant's age since I caught this founding colony during winter. What could have killed this ant? It is barely moving but I did notice that its gaster was a bit pointier than usual, like a bee or wasp. However, if it was formic acid spraying, then the entire colony would have to suffer. Does anybody know what could have happened? Thanks!

 

Need clarification. This is C. chromaiodes with a replete? It had 6 workers but now it is down to 1 because one of the ants turned itself into a replete and killed the other 5 because of indigestion? Or did it eat the other 5 and had indigestion? Sorry just trying to wrap my head around what you're saying. If someone else understands please explain!

 

Doubt that a replete can kill the other ants, so not sure what the issue is. Can you post pics?

[Jadeninja9]

 

 

Need clarification. This is C. chromaiodes with a replete? It had 6 workers but now it is down to 1 because one of the ants turned itself into a replete and killed the other 5 because of indigestion? Or did it eat the other 5 and had indigestion? Sorry just trying to wrap my head around what you're saying. If someone else understands please explain!

 

Doubt that a replete can kill the other ants, so not sure what the issue is. Can you post pics?

 

5 ants is a large meal

[AntsMaryland]

They probably died of stress because they're a wild caught colony.

[MegaMyrmex]

Haha sorry everyone, I meant that they had 6 workers but went down to one. The worker that died was acting like a replete because it was the only one that was filled with food. I don't know where my explanation came from but sorry for the confusion😅😅😅 The colony was collected last year during winter, so stress may not have been the complete contributing factor but I did have to move them out of their old nest in order to clean it from mold, so stress may have caused it. Also, one possible factor was overheating- I always keep them on a heating mat of some sort but since I kept them in a plaster nest, the heat was being evenly distributed. However, the formicarium broke so I moved them into a glass test tube setup, which I placed for a while directly on top of the heat mat. However, that would mean that the rest of my colonies would be dead, along with my acrobat ant quee s since they keep their brood directly on top of the heat mat. Once again I severely apologize about any confusion caused, and I hope this clarifies it.

[AntsMaryland]

It could have been disease, Sometimes wild caught colonies get diseases and like humans, those diseases can stay with the ant without showing severe symptoms until someday, POW! I doubt heat was an issue. If it was they would have just fried. The stress from the move might have just made them more vulnerable to a virus they already had. Another, but acute possibility, are mites. Check the remaining ants and dead worker for them. It's a possibility but I doubt that's what caused it.

[MegaMyrmex]

The mite theory might be right, I saw a sort of pale white disc attached to one of the workers. I'll have to check on them but thanks for the suggestions!

[Ants_Texas]

Not trying to be rude, but it seems that every single one of your colonies has multiple problems. Do you have an idea as to why?

[MegaMyrmex]

Not trying to be rude, but it seems that every single one of your colonies has multiple problems. Do you have an idea as to why?

No, no, it's perfectly fine, I myself am asking that question actually. I guess I'm more used to faster- growing and hardier species like formica and tetramorium. Also, this is currently my only camponotus colony so far and I have never successfully raised a colony past 1 worker so I'm pretty anxiois about this colony.

[Ants_Texas]

 

Not trying to be rude, but it seems that every single one of your colonies has multiple problems. Do you have an idea as to why?

No, no, it's perfectly fine, I myself am asking that question actually. I guess I'm more used to faster- growing and hardier species like formica and tetramorium. Also, this is currently my only camponotus colony so far and I have never successfully raised a colony past 1 worker so I'm pretty anxiois about this colony.

 

Just remember to be calm and patient.