9 replies to this topic

[VenomousBeast]

So yesterday, I was digging around a rock and found a huge rotting log. I dug through this log to find a big Stigmatomma colony. Here's the updates, news, and information on them as I keep them. Hope it helps people! This is the 4th colony I've had but the others perished due to unsatisfactory conditions but this time I know what to do. If you guys have any questions on this species, let me know! I'd love to answer them!.

[VenomousBeast]

[VenomousBeast]

Any questions on care, keeping, founding, etc. I would gladly answer to the best of my ability. 

[VenomousBeast]

This colony has 1 queen, 15-20 workers, 10-15 larvae, and several batches of eggs. It was found next to an aphenogaster colony which I am testing to determine if this is for food during founding stages. This is also a temporary setup until I get a proper container for their substrate needs and humidity needs.

Edited by VenomousBeast, August 24 2018 - 5:29 AM.

[AntsAreUs]

Very nice. I'm interested to know if they lay any eggs while they are in your setup. Also if possible try to film their larva sapping behavior.

[AntsMaryland]

Does this species only eat centipedes? Or will they accept feeders such as fruit flies, mealworms, roaches, etc?

[AntsAreUs]

Does this species only eat centipedes? Or will they accept feeders such as fruit flies, mealworms, roaches, etc?

It is said in the wild that their diet consists about 80% of centipedes. They have been found feeding on click beetle larva though. I have watched mine hunt tons of springtails. They do like mealworms. One thing I'm going to assume though is that they need a diet of centipedes to lay eggs, similar to the specialization of Strumigenys and springtails for example.

Edited by AntsAreUs, August 24 2018 - 9:48 AM.

[Nare]

Stigmatomma look really cool, but I noticed you keep R. flavipes. Would you consider starting a journal on them, or sharing some pictures of their setup? I'd be very interested to see how you're keeping them.

[VenomousBeast]

Absolutely, Will do! 

[VenomousBeast]

Here's an update on my colony! So, all of the eggs died during transport into their new formicarium which is better with humidity and such. I still have about 10 larvae and 11 workers and the queen. I've tried several new food items and many of them surprisingly worked. So, my colony (larvae) would eat grubs and hotdogs. The interesting part was with hotdogs, the workers would drink the fatty liquid coating the hotdog piece as the larvae consumed the solid parts. I think the important thing about keeping this species is HIGH HUMIDITY. Test tube setups don't provide enough moisture. This also prevents them from wanting to lay eggs and found a colony. For those wanting this species, no test tubes guys... Its failing 100%