7 replies to this topic

[AntTitan]

So I have a small crematogaster colony with 3 workers and some brood. So as you can imagine every additional worker is a big help to the colony. Problem is though is that I've noticed that the larvae grow fine until they get big and to the point where they look like they look like they should be ready to pupate. From there instead of pupating they stay like that for 2-3 weeks before they pupate. They have plenty of sugar, protein, water, and my room which they are in is usually 70+ degrees. Is it that the larvae are growing fast and so when they get to that big size they have to wait for there body's clock to tell them its time to pupate, is this natural, or is it something else. Also if you have any more suggestions on how to make it so that they grow faster, that would be greatly appreciated because it takes them from egg to worker 4-5 weeks.

[ZTYguy]

Well the temp probably needs to be higher then 70 degrees. Also 4-5 weeks is pretty good in my opinion but I know that others can come up with better answers. Sorry if any info is wrong.

[Fatatoille]

Crematogaster are pretty thermophilic, Most colonies will quite happily stick their brood as close as possible to a heat source; you could easily keep them at 85 degrees. If you don't have one, I'd invest in a heat cable, though remember to provide a heat gradient, they should explode in population after that. If you have any further questions about crematogaster, I would suggest messaging ANTdrew here on FC, he has a huge crematogaster cerasi colony and I'm sure he would be happy to help.

Edited by Fatatoille, May 10 2021 - 12:55 AM.

[AntTitan]

ok, I'll make sure to do that. Thanks

[AntBoi3030]

Try to change up the protein food

[ANTdrew]

Yes, as mentioned, they need to be way warmer for optimum growth. Shoot for upper 80s-low 90s.

[Metalstep]

I too have crematogasters and would like for the colony to grow a little quicker, as we all do. If using a heat cable under a mini hearth does it go under one side only and does a thermostat need to be used?

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

[ANTdrew]

What I would do is tape a loop of the heat cable to one side opposite the water tower.