10 replies to this topic

[Michiganter]

Found and tubed on June 6, 2025 in southeast MI, photo taken same day. As of posting this today, did my first check-in, had a pile of 7 eggs neatly stacked underneath of her. Covered her tube and put her back in her storage compartment. Didn’t take a picture, confirmed her condition and environment were solid and then tried to get her back in the dark and quiet as quickly as possible. Incredibly hard to resist the temptation to not spend time closely examining her, her brood, and otherwise hassling her.

Temperature: 74-79 degrees Fahrenheit
Enclosure: 16x150mm test tube setup


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[RushmoreAnts]

I would concur with C. pennsylvanicus. It could be C. herculeanus or C. chromaiodes, though they typically have at least some red on their legs, mesosoma, and gaster. 

[Michiganter]

I would concur with C. pennsylvanicus. It could be C. herculeanus or C. chromaiodes, though they typically have at least some red on their legs, mesosoma, and gaster.

I love the jet-black look, reminds me of the xenomorph


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[Mettcollsuss]

Yes, pennsylvanicus. herculeanus and chromaiodes (even dark morph chromaiodes) would both have some reddish coloration to the propodeum and femurs, and chromaiodes would also have more noticeable golden hairs on the gaster.

[Michiganter]

6-24-25 Update


Quick wellness check on my queen, seems to be doing fine still. I keep her exposed for less than a minute but remembered to grab a quick grainy poorly lit picture this time! She seems to be doing well as far as I can tell. She’s alive, her brood seems to be developing, and her tube conditions still seem good. Temperature still between 76-81 degrees.


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[Michiganter]

Yes, pennsylvanicus. herculeanus and chromaiodes (even dark morph chromaiodes) would both have some reddish coloration to the propodeum and femurs, and chromaiodes would also have more noticeable golden hairs on the gaster.

Thank you for helping me confirm the identity of my queen, I really appreciate it!


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[Michiganter]

4-6 larvae, hard to tell, and a nice pile of eggs. She seems like she’s doing well. Living and chilling in my janky box of silence.


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[Michiganter]

Nice handful of pupae and a handful of larvae and eggs. The queen seems to be doing well. Should have her first workers very soon!



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[Michiganter]

Behold! 3 nanitics, another 5 pupae, and a handful of squiggle-rice as of a few minutes ago. Per the excellent recommendations of many of you in the general ant keeping forum like ANTdrew, artisan ants, Ants TX, Rushmore Ants, and the gambling ant, I have attached them to a small outworld to provide access to food. So far, I’ve offered them honey and sunburst ant nectar. Honey they’re lukewarm to, sunburst (as seems to be the case w all my ants) they love, and they take all the fruit flies I’ve offered (3 so far).

I do have a concern tho, I noticed the queen and workers diligently tunneling into the cotton ball that provides the barrier to the water in their test tube. They’ve tunneled out a small alcove so far and are continuing to dig at it. I’m concerned that they might flood their tube if they dig too far. I have an extra Tarheel minihearth, should I consider dumping them for their own good? I also plan to post this question in the general ant keeping forum.


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[ANTdrew]

Dump them into the outworld of the mini-hearth. Also, stop feeding honey to them as it can contain trace pesticides that can kill your ants. Sunburst or plain sugar water are much safer alternatives.

[Michiganter]

Dump them into the outworld of the mini-hearth. Also, stop feeding honey to them as it can contain trace pesticides that can kill your ants. Sunburst or plain sugar water are much safer alternatives.

Thanks for the tip re: honey, hopefully I haven’t poisoned any of my colonies inadvertently. My Pennsylvanicus and castaneus colonies weren’t very interested in the honey, was really only the tetramorium who consumed notable quantities and I’m fairly certain they’re indestructible lol


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