16 replies to this topic

[azzaaazzzz00]

Some of you may know or have read my last journal: The Camponotus Pennsylvanicus Journal (starting as a new Queen). Well that queen is still alive and well (I just forgot about that old journal, that's why it mysteriously ended). Anyways, this is a journal for the same exact queen, she is now at about 30-35 workers now (and of course a pile of brood). They've been living of of mostly superwoms (besides an occasional tiny spider that they don't even really eat). I'm currently preparing them for their 2 and a half month hibernation (anybody know what temperature is best? I live in NJ by the way). The Pictures will be coming out at some point tonight.

[ANTdrew]

45-50 degrees will do it. They can go lower if you reduce it gradually.

[azzaaazzzz00]

Thanks for the reply ANTdrew! I was also wondering how I could get them to that temperature (without a mini fridge because I don't have one).

[ANTdrew]

A fridge, unheated basement, or a garage are pretty much your only options.

[azzaaazzzz00]

The pictures didn't come out yet because of my internet issues the last two days, they will probably be out today (I got someone to come and help me).

[antscientist]

Unlike other ants, camponotus ants are wood-nesting ants so, whenever winter comes, they produce a special chemical in their bodies to stop their blood from freezing. So, if you did catch this colony near where you live, you can just put them outside for hibernation.

[ConcordAntman]

I’ve seen folks post about putting their colonies outside or in an unheated garage in one of those $5 styrofoam coolers. Not enough insulated to keep them warm but just enough protection from unwanted varmints.  

[azzaaazzzz00]

I have the pictures now! Don't ask me why the test tube looks blue...

[azzaaazzzz00]

Not really an update, but also technically an update...anyways the queen seemed to have stopped or slowed her production of eggs. It's probably because it's nearing winter here and she just taking it easy before she goes into hibernation. I also forgot to post the count of the brood and workers, I will do that once I get home.

Edited by azzaaazzzz00, October 12 2021 - 12:55 PM.

[azzaaazzzz00]

So, brood and worker count: 7 cocoons, 1 large larvae, 2 small larvae, 3 eggs, about 35 regular workers, 2 majors.

I will be either buying an AC campontus formicarium or making my own formicarium for them to move into after hibernation.

Edited by azzaaazzzz00, October 12 2021 - 5:03 PM.

[ANTdrew]

Do not buy an AC formicarium for them. Make your own or buy THA.

[Chickalo]

AC nests tend to be overpriced for their quality.  Other options are, like, TarHeel Ants, Arthropod Antics, Buckeye Myrmecology, or even make your own (there are definitely other stores).

[azzaaazzzz00]

Alright I'll buy a formicarium from one of your suggested companies than. Thanks for the info! If I do make my own formicarium it'll probably be made of plaster and glass.

Edited by azzaaazzzz00, October 13 2021 - 6:58 AM.

[azzaaazzzz00]

So nothing really major happened with the colony besides a new major eclosing, so now we were up to 3 majors. I have put them into hibernation in the garage. Also before I did that, they decided to drag a superworm kill into the test tube. No idea how I'm going to get that out. No pics yet...cause I'm not going into the garage 2 in the morning, my neighbors are going to burn down my garage if I do that (my garage door sounds like a wailing elephant with a sore throat).

[azzaaazzzz00]

So today I decided to move the colony in to a new test tube because the superworm carcass that they had previosly draged in to their old test tube had started to mold. I just put them back in the garage so they could hibernate in peace. I probably won't be updating until I take them out of hibernation or until something major happens (like if they die, but lets hope for the best...).

[azzaaazzzz00]

Update, so I hadn't really checked on them scince I had last posted, I decided I would do that today...and found the entire colony drowned . They had chewed through the cotton blocking the water, I noticed this before but didn't think much of it as many of my other colonies did the same but eventually stopped. It's possible that they've already dug really deep into the cotton before and I just didn't notice (the leak was near the bottom of the test tube). So I hope I have better luck with my next colony of these ants, they are very common here so I dout ill come back empty handed.

[Antkeeper01]

noooooooooooooooooooo RIP