30 replies to this topic

[YsTheAnt]

yeah, Prenolepis Imparis have a high mortality rate, so maybe you're not such a rookie

Where’d you hear that?

[ConTejas]

yeah, Prenolepis Imparis have a high mortality rate, so maybe you're not such a rookie

Where’d you hear that?

My understanding is that Queen Ants in general have a high mortality rate. P.Imparis is no different. I think since they're so highly sought after by enthusiasts, there's probably more handling, touching and viewing of the test tubes.

I think this is why people struggle with this species.

This species really needs very minimal care.

[YsTheAnt]

I’d disagree with that. Lots of species have extremely low mortality rates in captivity, especially when provided with proper care. I'm sure other members can speak to this too.

Most of the species I keep, with the exception of Pogonomyrmex and Myrmecocystus, have a mortality rate of around 10-20 percent. Prenolepis imparis are no different, and if provided with adequate conditions, can have quite high success rates. Anyways, that's just my two cents.

Good luck with your colony

[ConTejas]

yeah, Prenolepis Imparis have a high mortality rate, so maybe you're not such a rookie

Where’d you hear that?

My understanding is that Queen Ants in general have a high mortality rate. P.Imparis is no different. I think since they're so highly sought after by enthusiasts, there's probably more handling, touching and viewing of the test tubes.

I think this is why people struggle with this species.

This species really needs very minimal care.

[ConTejas]

I took some photos today and yesterday. This colony has slowed down their consumption of insect protein and seem to be carrying many repletes. 

I enjoy seeing their large gastors but i think I'm going to leave them alone for a little bit. I've noticed that they really like the stalactites on ceiling of their THA Mini Hearth. 

I've even observed them feeding on the stalactites with one holding the cut up mealworm and another feasting on it upside down.

They seem to regulate their need for water by moving either right on the ceiling when i fill up the reservoir, or moving right down to the top of the reservoir when it is low. I have also added 2 nest mates, but they tend to sit there for a long time as they are on the opposite side of the nest from where most of the activity occurs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I will likely post next mid March. I'm trying to give them a few weeks to prep themselves for estivation.

[ConTejas]

I should have also added that it looks like the two ants that are feeding each other are carrying the Sunburst Ant Nector i have been feeding them. Looks like they are sharing sugars since they are scrambling cause of all the light while viewing.

[ANTdrew]

I love this colony. So hope to find one this spring.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

I probably couldn't keep these gals, but love their repletes!

[AntsDakota]

I would love to try, if I could find any. 

[ConTejas]

Their really boring. They don't consume much and arent really active, I always wanted this species for their repletes.

These girls are really low maintenance.

[ConTejas]

Question:

Does anyone have any records of P.Imparis in their third year (including the nuptial flight year)? I sort of want to know what to expect in terms of egg production during this estivation season. 

 

This colony is about to start the process of estivation. I have covered their nest entrance partially with a 16mm liquid ant feeder, so they can still get out. I will likely leave this here and maybe place some clay so that they can comfortably try and close it off on their own. If they don't then ill just take the clay out. I am really curious how fast this colony will grow.