7 replies to this topic

[AntPerson76]

I just caught a colony of ponera Pennsylvanica just a few minutes ago, and don't worry, it wasn't under a rock, but instead a broken piece of a pot. I collected at least 10 workers, 4 of which are newly enclosed, a total of 4 queens(!), And a few queen alates and one male who surprisingly is the only one who can almost climb. Anyways, I had some questions.

Why were there alates and males at such a small size? ( I double checked and I collected the whole colony for sure)

What should I keep them in?

What should I feed them and how to care for them?

This is a species I've wanted to try to keep for so long. I'm excited I finally have the chance. Any help is appreciated.

Edited by AntPerson76, August 24 2023 - 3:23 PM.

[Yourbasicantkeeper]

Sometimes when a queen is not fertilized, they produce alates, instead of workers. So maybe one of the queens isn't fertilized?

[Virginian_ants]

They are springtail specialists but my queens happily ate fruit flies and roach pieces. Dirt setups work best.

Edited by Virginian_ants, August 24 2023 - 3:46 PM.

[AntPerson76]

Sometimes when a queen is not fertilized, they produce alates, instead of workers. So maybe one of the queens isn't fertilized?

Now that I think of it this is probably it. I guess for now I'll keep the alates and maybe release them during their nuptial flights to help the native population.

[AntPerson76]

I moved them into a small plastic circular container with dirt and some moss. I'll post a picture of their setup when I get a chance, but they are so small I feel like they can stay here until they really get too big in population for their container. I plan to add a large flat rock to the center for them to hide and nest under, but I am a little confused on how to feed them. I guess if it's dark enough I can give them a cricket leg, but I'm pretty sure springtails are their favorite food so adding a good amount of them in would clean the container and feed them. Do they hunt the springtails?

[Virginian_ants]

Yes that's what they specialize in the wild.

[AntPerson76]

Another interesting thing I've noticed with ponera is that when threatened they curl up into an almost pupae like state. Is this normal defense for ponera?

[Virginian_ants]

Yeah I've seen this too, Strumigenys do it too.