4 replies to this topic

[cfreidsma]

West Michigan today. Few millimeters long maybe. Incredibly tiny. Ponera queen or any ideas? A bit smaller than the stigmatoma pallipes I found a few days ago but at the same spot

[Mettcollsuss]

Ponera pennsylvanica

[cfreidsma]

How do I go about founding these? I'm thinking a small founding nest instead of a test tube.

[RushmoreAnts]

How do I go about founding these? I'm thinking a small founding nest instead of a test tube.

These are a sensitive cryptic species. They are semi-claustral, usually preying mostly on springtails to survive, although fruitflies are an acceptable alternative in captivity. They don't take well to larger insects such as mealworms or crickets. As they are extremely sensitive, traditional test tubes and nests are not sufficient for them unless they have copious amounts of natural soil. Anything less than good ole' dirt will be too foreign for them to handle. They are also extremely bothered by light and vibrations, so check them as infrequently as possible without starving them.

[cfreidsma]

I have plenty of springtails. I'll try setting up something as natural as possible.