23 replies to this topic

[Euron]

Hey, I want to share my ants with other people in the hobby and have decided to start a journal on this site which I will endeavor to update fortnightly.

 

I'v seen others using this format of keeping journals in one place and I really like reading those so have decided to do the same.

 

I have kept quite a few species of ants and its been my interest to buy queens which I've raised to small colonies of 50+ workers which I've sold on. However, this will be for those I plan to keep long term.

 

To start off the journal I will be posting updates to Messor Arenarius, Camponotus Lateralis & Odontoponera Transversa colonies.

[Euron]

Introductions

 

Messor Arenarius

 

Received at the start of Feb 2020, this queen and 3 eggs were moved to a glass 20mm*200mm test tube kept at 25C. With no larvae after 2 weeks I decided 25C was not enough and adjusted to 28C, since then there are now a couple larvae and more eggs. I have only taken her out for a couple seconds during this time so have kept photos to a minimum so far - I want to make sure she is not stressed during this founding stage at all.   

 

 

 

Camponotus Lateralis

 

I have wanted to have this species for a long time now but had not found a seller. While I have not yet received my small colony of a queen and 10+ workers, I do expect them next week for which I will post an update.

 

Odontoponera Transversa

 

I actually received this queen at the end of May 2019, however not until January did the first nanitic hatch. The queen and worker currently have an egg pile and 2 large larvae.

Edited by Euron, March 1 2020 - 9:17 AM.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

Looks interesting! Keep up the good work!

[ponerinecat]

Nice, you're either in Europe or Asia. Both amazing spots for ants.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

Yeah, that's why AC moved there. Guess he got bored of the natives in Canada...

[ponerinecat]

And yet he doesn't keep many of the Philippines' exciting natives. I'd say he went there for the natives that are invasives in other countries.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

lol, true

[MsTesaAnt]

Wow, that is a beautiful photo of the queen.  I'm looking forward to see more photos and getting updates.

[AntsDakota]

Yeah, that's why AC moved there. Guess he got bored of the natives in Canada...

I would've guessed Europe, and if Asia probably not anywhere near the Philipines. But you are correct otherwise. 

[Euron]

Odontoponera Transversa

 

Here are some promised photos. They have 4 small larvae and 4 larger. The test tube started out full of cocofiber, which they have largely excavated. I'm going to order some superworms as a change to their current diet of crickets, jelly and honey.

[Euron]

Camponotus Lateralis

 

Sad news on this front. The colony died in shipping, upsetting as they really looked like really pretty ants. I'v talked with my supplier about a replacement but the ETA is about 4 weeks. Will update.  

[Euron]

Messor Arenarius

 

I'm rather impressed. In the last 5 days this queen has been doing really well. Have a look at how well she has grown her brood. Sorry for the awful quality :')

Edited by Euron, March 6 2020 - 12:42 PM.

[Euron]

Messor Arenarius - 16th March

 

Once this queens eggs hatched this queen has been working full time to get her colony started. I introduced some crushed seeds too.

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Edited by Euron, March 29 2020 - 5:59 AM.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

wow, it looks amazing! 

[Euron]

Messor Arenarius - 29th March

 

First worker and *almost* second. Super happy about how she is doing. It looks like she had melded the insides of several seeds into one part.

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Edited by Euron, March 29 2020 - 6:05 AM.

[AntsDakota]

Those larvae look a little more grub-like than I’m used to.

[Euron]

Definitely! My other messor larvae are always nice pill shapes, these are a little creepy with the twisting segmented cone appearance. Can't wait to see a major larvae.

[Euron]

Camponotus Lateralis - 31/03/20

 

These arrived. Very healthy. Lots of eggs. They are very active ants, reminding me of crematogaster scutellaris. Will be keeping the larger colony for this journal.

 

[Euron]

Messor Arenarius - 04/04/20

 

Colony is healthy, most pupae from last week have become workers. Hopefully she lays more eggs soon.

 

Edited by Euron, May 4 2020 - 10:41 AM.

[Euron]

Odontoponera Transversa - 11/04/20

 

These haven't really progressed much. There is a larger larvae at least. Have moved their diet to fruit flies.