First. Never made it to Washington, my family couldn't afford the trip. But my dad did get a job for Blizzard Entertainment in Irvine. And we moved back to same apartment unit, which is lucky. It was/is our favorite unit in the complex.
Now on to ants.
Been staying with my friend in east San Diego (Ramona) (southern California) and caught a Messor andrei queen. Very lucky as I've been wanting a queen/colony of this species for years. I found her yesterday (the 2nd).
For her best survival chance, I boosted her with brood and 30 or so workers from the nearby colonies. Not much aggression. and after putting them in the freezer twice, fridge twice, all aggression is gone.
I know it might be more rewarding to start with just the queen, but heck with that. I want a good successful colony. I've never got lucky and found a Messor queen before. So I want the best chances of a colony as possible.
Will take pictures after I get home next week.
Edited by Vendayn, October 5 2015 - 9:42 AM.