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Odd white protrusion/excretion on queen's abdomen

ant health care discussion queen testtube

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10 replies to this topic

#1 Offline kgollehon - Posted May 21 2019 - 9:21 PM

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Hello all! I have been caring for an unidentified queen species since last season in a standard test-tube setup. She was caught in August around the deserts of Joshua Tree, CA. Although she initially laid a brood of eggs, all died during this last winter's hibernation period. Her abdomen has receded during this time as no eggs are currently being produced. However, there is this odd protrusion at the back of her abdomen, wondering if anyone has any idea on what it may be? 

 

Dorsal view
posterior view
Side view

 

 


Colonies: Tetramorium sp., Solenopsis xyloni

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#2 Offline Zeiss - Posted May 21 2019 - 9:48 PM

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That appears to be Myrmecocystus mexicanus to me.  No clue what that white thing is.  Maybe mold?



#3 Offline kgollehon - Posted May 21 2019 - 10:00 PM

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Thanks for the input! Not sure how she would've developed mold, do you think that'd pose a health risk to look out for? 


Colonies: Tetramorium sp., Solenopsis xyloni

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#4 Offline Zeiss - Posted May 21 2019 - 11:27 PM

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You could try brushing it off of her.  It could also be cotton stuck to her?  No clue.



#5 Offline drtrmiller - Posted May 22 2019 - 2:11 AM

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Uhm, you can't think of any other reason a queen that just mated might have something...sticking out of her lady parts?  You do know what happens during mating, right?


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#6 Offline Zeiss - Posted May 22 2019 - 2:21 AM

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Uhm, you can't think of any other reason a queen that just mated might have something...sticking out of her lady parts?  You do know what happens during mating, right?

He caught it last season and all her brood died out and it now formed after her gaster shrank.


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#7 Offline drtrmiller - Posted May 22 2019 - 2:26 AM

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Uhm, you can't think of any other reason a queen that just mated might have something...sticking out of her lady parts?  You do know what happens during mating, right?

He caught it last season and all her brood died out and it now formed after her gaster shrank.

 

 

That's what I get for not reading.  Could still be some pathological ejection of the sperm plug, which may explain the decrease in fecundity.  Take it off and look under a microscope.




byFormica® is the manufacturer of the iconic nectar feeders and Sunburst Ant Nectar.
byFormica ant products always deliver consistent performance, convenience,
and reliability, making them among the most beloved ant foods and kit enjoyed by
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#8 Offline Acutus - Posted May 22 2019 - 4:31 AM

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Could it be an Egg? Can Ants become egg bound? I've never seen it in ants but snakes ,turtles and Lizards.


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#9 Offline kgollehon - Posted May 22 2019 - 12:03 PM

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Thanks for all of the input guys, I let her gorge on honey and her gaster has swelled considerably. Still not sure about the protrusion but hopefully it is not related to her overall fertility. Will be keeping an eye out for any new eggs. 

 

 

*** Edit ***

 

Thought I'd add some more pics! 

 

Close-up side
Close-up back

Edited by kgollehon, May 22 2019 - 12:52 PM.

Colonies: Tetramorium sp., Solenopsis xyloni

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#10 Offline Guy_Fieri - Posted May 22 2019 - 6:08 PM

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Wouldn't a queen ant with mold growing on her just remove it herself?



#11 Offline AntPhycho - Posted May 22 2019 - 7:02 PM

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If she is fertile. You are very lucky to have an M. mexicanus! Honey pot ants are one of the few species -other than solenopsis- I am extremely interested in.  :D


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