16 replies to this topic

[AntsAbyss]

This journal will focus on my Temnothorax curvispinosus ant colony, which I've exclusively fed a diet of peanut butter. Initially, starting on April 3, 2022, the colony began with a single queen and about 8 eggs. Over time, by around October, the colony grew to have 25+ workers and began producing male and female brood.

One observation was that shortly after filling their water dish, the ants would promptly shed their wings within a few days, with the males dying. This behavior led me to suspect that mating was occurring within the nest.

Continuously, approximately every few months, they had acquired a new queen. Interestingly, these ants seem to display lower activity levels, possibly because they easily manage the peanut butter diet, allowing them to prioritize colony growth over excessive activity, as visible in the accompanying photos.

Edited by AntsAbyss, November 22 2023 - 8:19 AM.

[AntsAbyss]

[AntsAbyss]

[ANTdrew]

I would lose my mind if all I could eat was peanut butter.

[AntsAbyss]

I would lose my mind if all I could eat was peanut butter.

I agree, but it's surprising to witness this particular colony's exceptional performance compared to my others, despite the varied protein intake. Most of the colonies I've initiated earlier, stemming from single queens, are noticeably lagging behind. I'm more inclined to think their success is attributed to the modified food they receive, differing from a typical insect diet. Providing them with both sugar and protein eliminates the need to hunt for both. I intend to delve deeper into this through further research, but the initial outcomes are remarkable. Moreover, it appears that most Temnothorax sp. are receptive to peanut butter.

[100lols]

Interesting observations!! I’m going to give some peanut butter to my colonies tonight, as I haven’t tried it with a few of them yet lol.

How big do these colonies typically get in captivity?

[AntsAbyss]

Most I've had in captivity was my Temnothorax longispinosus. I had them maxing around 280 all together, funny thing about them was they would always nest away from any humidity I found it very odd lol.

[AntsAbyss]

Posted some shorts on this colony on my youtube channel if you'd like to see inside the nest.

https://youtube.com/...uohzv6KrNc8qjgG

https://youtube.com/...eVIhnsCCb41-A2v

[FranklinKnight]

Nice any updates

[AsdinAnts]

upd?

[AntsAbyss]

Actually took a video yesterday of them I'm going to post in a few hours sorry for the lacking on content at the moment.

[AntsAbyss]

Heres the new update on them they seem to really be enjoying the new nest i recently put them in there production has drastically went up from 88 workers too 103 but i might be a little off.

https://youtu.be/gsO...89GxECRTIjV5eKH

Edited by AntsAbyss, January 2 2024 - 8:23 PM.

[AntsAbyss]

Today will be this colonies first time eating any insects because I've kept them on a peanut butter only diet for about two years. I'm surprised they still are capable of battling the rice flour beetle larvae with perfect strategy considering they haven't had any contact with a threat in over two years anyway heres the video if you're interested in watching there reaction.

https://youtu.be/8Bo...-83R_fvdo-8ONCY

Edited by AntsAbyss, January 10 2024 - 6:34 AM.

[FranklinKnight]

Nice video

[AntsAbyss]

Thank you

[BleepingBleepers]

Saw your youtube videos. I also take a lot of pictures and make some youtube videos too.

 

How's your colony doing now? Hope it's going good.

[AntsAbyss]

Its doing pretty good haven't had time to post a update on my youtube channel just finished setting up my new nests for this year's hunt. Ill probably post a update on my youtube sometime this week thanks for taking interest in them i do appreciate it.