I tried everything, even putting them in a reptile egg incubator to ensure proper temperature…still they continued to dwindle. Eventually, only the queen and a handful of workers remained.
Behavior-wise, they were active and behaving (according to lots of research from reputable/experienced keepers) normally; foraging seeds, being bad at climbing, etc.
On a whim, I decided I introduce a steady supply of fruit flies and provide them a liquid feeder of sunburst nectar. Total game changer. My harvesters power thru seeds, but they also chugged the nectar and readily consumed all the fruit flies I offered. I upped what I was giving them until they stopped eating all of what I offered.
Flash forward to today, the colony is back up to about 100. They still power thru their seeds (dandelion are their preferred), but drink 1mL of sunburst every 2 days…or at least, every 2 days I need to fully refill it. They also eat exclusively flightless (not wingless) fruit flies, about 30 per week. That’s what they consume in its entirety as of right now. After introducing sunburst and fruit flies, the Queen immediately began laying significantly more eggs, none of which seemed to be eaten by other larvae and all of which seemed to mature. Previously, about half would grow and half would get eaten.
Also, they’ve learned to climb…when I remove the lid for cleaning dozens make a break for the top and I end up having to scoop them back in. I should probably apply fluon but it started with just one or two. Despite their potential for a painful sting, I have yet to actually be stung, overall they are pretty gentle as long as you aren’t a dandelion seed or fruit fly.
Housed in a THA Fallen Fortress
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