149 replies to this topic

[Ants_Dakota]

Sorry to drag this topic back alive but I have a successful multi species colony. Both are Polyrhachis (Cyrtomyrma) and have been raised together since solo queens. I haven't ID'd them to species but I can confirm they're different (one has spikes on the first abdominal segment while the other doesn't, and one has a much longer petiole and connecty bits than the other). Any thoughts?

No, I think a successful multi species colony is a justified reason to bring it back. We would love to se images of the colony if you have one! 

[Hiromilovesmealworms]

Yes please! We want photoooos

[NorthernTrav]

I'll send pictures once I get home. Both are similar ants and both are polygynous (I think) which probably helped with it.

[NorthernTrav]

Attached a bunch of images I took of the colony. Sorry about the dirty test tube but they've been weaving and I can't really clean it without disturbing them.

Attached Images

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[NorthernTrav]

Also, I remember one of the first colonies in this experiment being (I think) pogonomyrmex and camponotus. Were either of these monogamous, because I'm thinking about repeating this experiment with a polygynous and a possibly monogynous species of Polyrhachis (Campomyrma), namely Phryne and Patiens. Another thing is I've read that acetone is better at dissolving CHCs than white vinegar, so is it worth a try?

[Hiromilovesmealworms]

I'm no chemist but pretty sure that acetone is too toxic for ants. (acetone can dissolve styrofoam and some plastics  ), used to remove nail polish.

[NorthernTrav]

True. I'll stick to white vinegar for now. Just to confirm, 10-20 seconds fully submerged?

[Zhuge]

oh man i need to read this entire thing its so cool

[Antz_Straya]

Also, I remember one of the first colonies in this experiment being (I think) pogonomyrmex and camponotus. Were either of these monogamous, because I'm thinking about repeating this experiment with a polygynous and a possibly monogynous species of Polyrhachis (Campomyrma), namely Phryne and Patiens. Another thing is I've read that acetone is better at dissolving CHCs than white vinegar, so is it worth a try?

acetone is alot stronger so it needs to be diluted, your queens are probably an australis and a pilosa

[NorthernTrav]

Interesting, thank you. I think I'll stick to vinegar for now. Also if any aussies are in this thread I'd love if we could get any two Polyrhachis together as they seem to be the best bet so far.