13 replies to this topic

[AntsAreUs]

So first off, I collected this small colony of 2 queens and 5 workers off of an oak tree in my yard. The colony likely had at least 1 more queen and more workers, but they were so lodged into the bark that I couldn't get them. I haven't seen them feeding at all yet, they have been full since I collected them. Just last night and today they have laid a few eggs! I'd say them laying eggs is a sign that I should start a journal on them especially considering I haven't found anything on keeping this species.

 

Edited by AntsAreUs, June 26 2018 - 7:27 AM.

[Mettcollsuss]

Jealous. I have been looking for Temnothorax forever.

[AntsMaryland]

Jealous. I have been looking for Temnothorax forever.

Just go around get lost in the woods and you'll find some (joke, wouldn't recommend it...)

 

If you want to get some. Find a foresty area, preferably with oak trees, look for some acorns with a small little hole in them. Looks like it's been drilled. And the likelihood is it's a Temnothorax colony.

[WeatherAnt]

Awesome! I'd occasionally see Temnothorax schaumii workers in my yard but I've never seen a whole colony. The curvispinosus version was way more common, I'd see a lot of those. But these are real cool. Love the sleek and solid black look they've got. 

[AntsAreUs]

5-1-18

 

Got a nice egg pile started

 

[AntsAreUs]

6/3/18

 

They recently ate all their brood again. Not sure why they do this but nothing has died yet.

Edited by AntsAreUs, June 3 2018 - 11:41 AM.

[LC3]

Maybe they are not use to how open and spacious test tubes are?

[AntsAreUs]

Maybe they are not use to how open and spacious test tubes are?

I can try moving them into a much smaller tube.

[AntsAreUs]

Well in attempts to recover their brood, I fed them some egg yolk. They definitely needed it it seems.

 

Edited by AntsAreUs, June 7 2018 - 11:46 AM.

[AnthonyP163]

I've always liked this species, glad to see someone is keeping them.

[Canadian anter]

I've found that Temnothorax eat surprisingly large amounts of food. More than larger species even.

[AntsAreUs]

6/30/18

 

They are doing fine I guess. They now have a good amount of brood and larva. Also sorry ahead of time, their tube is in due for a change for sure.

 

[AntsAreUs]

7/7/18

 

The brood is growing decently fast. Looks like 1 of the larva is getting ready to pupate soon. 1 worker has died, likely from age.

 

Edited by AntsAreUs, July 7 2018 - 6:32 PM.

[neoponera]

update?