46 replies to this topic

[AntsMAN]

I just found another Lasius umbratus queen, I'm going now to look for some neoniger brood for her. Any tips for keeping them?

Edited by AntsMAN, July 10 2016 - 6:53 AM.

[Batspiderfish]

Try to only get host workers which are tending to the brood you plan to take, as they are the least combative. If you notice any callow workers, grab those instead.

[AntsMAN]

OK. thanks.

[AntsMAN]

Went home for lunch today and she was dying only 12 hours in the test tube, was planning to get her set up today after work. I took her out and she died in my hand. I'm guessing they need to be setup with callow ants and brood from another Lasius sp. right away, and from what I've read it's quite difficult to get them started and going. So today I plan on looking for two and getting them setup right away. Hope to find some others today as well

[Batspiderfish]

I'm sorry to hear that. From listening to how much more trouble people have with this species, it makes me think there is just something different about the populations in Maine. I only have mysterious deaths occur with Acanthomyops, while Chthonolasius seems very hardy.

Did you offer her any food?

Edited by Batspiderfish, June 18 2016 - 8:35 AM.

[AntsMAN]

Caught two more today when I took my nephews on a hike. Gave them some honey and water, tomorrow I'm going to try to find a wild Lasius colony to pillage lol

[Batspiderfish]

They are certainly abundant and easy to find (especially in the forest.) Good luck!

[AntsMAN]

Hope this works out, they seem to be okay. I removed all the hostile workers, and left 5 workers that don't seem to attack her and tend to the larva and pupae. I've been watching them for an hour or so and the queen was picking up the pupae and then doing a cleaning motion? maybe taking on there scent. After a bit they all now walk around fine together and get along so here's hoping. I'm going to reintroduce some of the other workers slowly, and see if they get along, I have about 40 or so.

 

Edited by AntsMAN, June 19 2016 - 2:21 PM.

[AntsMAN]

Just fed them, they moved all the larva and pupae into the small nest and the queen is wondering around outside. The work keep checking her out. All seems good.

[AntsMAN]

Just had a last peek for the night and all 5 workers and the queen are all together in the small nest.

[Batspiderfish]

Looks like a success! Congrats!

Edited by Batspiderfish, June 19 2016 - 4:59 PM.

[AntsMAN]

Thanks. I have three more queens, and some more workers and brood. Hope they are as forgiving.

[Batspiderfish]

Lasius umbratus is pretty easy to care for, and shouldn't be too different from L. neoniger or L. alienus. They do have a lot of interesting characteristics that are difficult to bring out in captivity, like their carton-building skills (a symbiotic relationship with a fungus that grows on tree bark) and root aphid farming. The queen should begin laying within a month or two. She may take her time.

[AntsMAN]

Thought I'd put a good picture of one of them on.

 

[AntsMAN]

I had a third queen and some cocoons ready to open, so I put them all together and the queen seems to be tending them? She is very interested in them.

Edited by AntsMAN, June 20 2016 - 12:16 PM.

[AntsMAN]

I put one of the other queens in with three cocoons no workers, she has all three of them right with her. One she was holding and what looked like either trying to eat or help one. keeping an eye on her. The third one I just workers three workers and some brood in and everyone was alive this morning. Still need to find some for the forth queen.

[Batspiderfish]

All my Lasius umbratus queens have ignored brood entirely until they had host workers. I'm glad things seem to be working out for your queens!

[Jeoff82]

Are you in the US? I have never seen this species in Britain although we do have them. Would love to find one.

[Batspiderfish]

I am, yes. Lasius umbratus is very common in the Eastern U.S. through most of the year. They are uncommon in much of the UK, but there's also a chance to find the interesting Lasius fuliginosus within that range. True, we have weird looking Acanthomyops queens here, but hell if we know how to raise them yet.

[AntsMAN]

Everyone is still alive and well, just waiting on the new ones to eclose.