93 replies to this topic

[ANTdrew]

That’s fine, but to thrive they will need a variety of insect protein sources. The more variety the better.

[AntsDakota]

But carbs are still necessary.

[TheMicroPlanet]

I assume they'd need more protein right now, no?

[ANTdrew]

Probably not that much yet. Have sugars available at all times.

[TheMicroPlanet]

Any barrier suggestions?

[ANTdrew]

I use byFormica fluon.

[TheMicroPlanet]

Just gave the colony their first outworld. It's a small plastic box with a hole in the side to put the test tube, as well as a hole in the top covered in layered cheesecloth. I'm using vasaline as a barrier for now. The bottom is covered in sand, with a Q-tip acting as a bridge to the test tube entrance. I gave them some sugar water and boiled earthworm. Will the workers start foraging when they feel the need?

[ANTdrew]

Yes, they will forage. Cautious species may forage very little at first.

[TheMicroPlanet]

Recently caught two (most likely) Formica queens. Here's a recap of the ants I'm currently keeping...

 

(As of 7/1/20)

Founding Queens

Camponotus pennsylvanicus

Tetramorium sp. (2)

Formica sp. (2)

 

Colonies

Prenolepis imparis

 

I also taped two layers of clear red film onto a flashlight in the hopes of better viewing without disturbance. I'm not 100% sure if this is effective or not, but when I shine it on my ants, they don't seem to panic. Any thoughts?

[CatsnAnts]

Nice Finds! As for the red film, after doing some research from earlier, it appears that it has varying effectiveness depending on the species. Most ants will be able to still see the light, however, it still does reduce the amount of light going through, so it’s better than nothing.

[TheMicroPlanet]

Both Tetra queens have eggs now. I can also make out some pretty decently sized larvae in the C. pennsylvanicus's tube. Also, the two Formica queens made a few firsts. One of them was the first queen I've caught using a net, and the other was the first queen I rescued from drowning in the pool. Overall, things are looking great; One colony, 5 founding queens, 3 of which have brood. Not bad for my first antkeeping season.

[TechAnt]

Nice!

[TheMicroPlanet]

Another day, another Formica queen saved from drowning in a pool. That makes 6 founding queens and 1 colony. Also, it looks like the P. imparis workers have been feeding on the sugar water I gave them; a few are quite physogastric, presumably with sugar water.

[TheMicroPlanet]

Pretty basic update, but some good news.

 

Prenolepis imparis

They drank a good portion of the sugar water I gave them, and it looks like they started picking apart the boiled fly. At least I know they're well fed. Also, any idea on how often I should feed them? They have about 7 workers.

 

Camponotus pennsylvanicus

Her larvae are noticeably bigger. Pupae are likely coming soon!

 

Tetramorium sp (2)

About the same.  They've moved around in their test tube though, preferring the reservior cotton instead of the tube floor.

 

Formica sp  (3)

No eggs yet, all still have wings, and one is going absolutely bonkers. 

[TennesseeAnts]

Pretty basic update, but some good news.

 

Prenolepis imparis

They drank a good portion of the sugar water I gave them, and it looks like they started picking apart the boiled fly. At least I know they're well fed. Also, any idea on how often I should feed them? They have about 7 workers.

 

Camponotus pennsylvanicus

Her larvae are noticeably bigger. Pupae are likely coming soon!

 

Tetramorium sp (2)

About the same.  They've moved around in their test tube though, preferring the reservior cotton instead of the tube floor.

 

Formica sp  (3)

No eggs yet, all still have wings, and one is going absolutely bonkers. 

Any pics (like I'm one to talk...)?

[TheMicroPlanet]

I know I always promise pics and then never give any  but i'll see what I can do

[AntsDakota]

Formica sp  (3)

 one is going absolutely bonkers. 

If you want to describe Formica to someone, this is perfect. 

[TheMicroPlanet]

Little update for today.

 

Prenolepis imparis: Colony is still going strong. I saw a few callows, and they have LOTS of pupae. Like, at least 80% of their brood is pupae. They have about 10 to 12ish workers. I'll probably be feeding them again soon.

 

Camponotus Pennsylvanicus: We have confirmed pupae sightings! At least 3 coccoons, and they look pretty young (altough they do have that little black dot, as is tradition).

 

(2) Tetramorium sp. : Not much to report. They might have some small larvae.

 

(3) Formica sp. : Just like last week: absolutely bonkers. No sign of brood, they've been tearing furiously at the cotton, no loss of wings, and as soon as I open the box they're in, they go into a panic; and all that applies to all three of them.

Edited by TheMicroPlanet, July 17 2020 - 5:54 AM.

[ANTdrew]

Of all the species I have raised, Formica FREAK out the most when checked on. Your girls may need to hibernate before they raise viable brood. Mine did, at least.

[AntsDakota]

 

 

 

 

Formica are kind of annoying. That’s all I can say.

Annoying?? How come?

 

They freak out over the smallest things, colonies grow slowly............

 

Idk what's wrong with your Formica. Mine are the opposite of everything you just typed.