19 replies to this topic

[Aaron567]

Crematogaster pinicola

 

Crematogaster pinicola is a bicolored species that is found only in the far southeastern states. In the wild they nest exclusively in pine trees, hence their species name. Other than their color and the trees they nest in, they are basically identical to C. ashmeadi which are all black. They also happen to be one of the most common Crematogaster species in Florida.

 

I've had this colony for a while and I've been meaning to start this journal but I kept forgetting. Here is how they've been growing since I caught the queen.

 

July 26, 2018

 

Eggs laid.

 

 

 

August 7, 2018

 

First pupae.

 

 

 

August 16, 2018

 

First nanitic.

 

 

 

September 23, 2018

 

 

 

October 21, 2018

 

 

 

November 15, 2018

 

 

 

December 15, 2018

 

Now they have about 60 workers with a pretty good brood pile. They have a very good appetite and do not look like they will slow down anytime soon. Looking forward to this colony becoming large!

Edited by Aaron567, May 25 2019 - 6:13 PM.

[Mettcollsuss]

Nice colony! I have a founding C. lineolata queen. I'm hoping she does as well as your colony!

[Rstheant]

Nice photography!

[Aaron567]

December 27, 2018

 

I have estimated the colony to be at about 90 workers now. There is a pretty big pile of brood, so I expect the size of the colony to double in the next two weeks or so. In the pictures it's not as easy to see the brood because of the white sand, creating barely any contrast with the brood. It's harder for me to take the test tube out of the outworld to get pictures because at this point they'll just swarm my hand. They are very active and kinda crazy.

 

I also want to mention that most of the workers in this colony are quite large. Like, larger than any Crematogaster I've seen.

 

[Will230145]

December 27, 2018
 
I have estimated the colony to be at about 90 workers now. There is a pretty big pile of brood, so I expect the size of the colony to double in the next two weeks or so. In the pictures it's not as easy to see the brood because of the white sand, creating barely any contrast with the brood. It's harder for me to take the test tube out of the outworld to get pictures because at this point they'll just swarm my hand. They are very active and kinda crazy.
 
I also want to mention that most of the workers in this colony are quite large. Like, larger than any Crematogaster I've seen.
 

Stunning pictures, what camera do you use?!

[Aaron567]

 

 

Stunning pictures, what camera do you use?!

 

 

Canon Rebel SL1

[Will230145]

Stunning pictures, what camera do you use?!

 
Canon Rebel SL1

Thanks!

[Aaron567]

December 31, 2018

 

The queen just laid more than 100 eggs. I'm getting ready to move the colony into a formicarium because they are about to outgrow this setup quickly.

 

[FeedTheAnts]

Wonderful journal as always

You mention that the only difference between Crematogaster pinicola and C.ashmeadi is color, with C.ashmeadi being all black. I always thought that C.ashmeadi sometimes could have a reddish coloring, especially on their thorax. I actually have a colony of Crematogaster that I'm almost certain is C.ahsmeadi, but they are not jet black. They also aren't as red as the ants in this journal. Is it true that C.ashmeadi are all black? and is there usually a slight amount of variation when it comes to the coloring of Crematogaster ants even of the same species?

 

Thanks and sorry for posting a question on your journal, but I wanted to hear what you thought.

[Aaron567]

Wonderful journal as always

You mention that the only difference between Crematogaster pinicola and C.ashmeadi is color, with C.ashmeadi being all black. I always thought that C.ashmeadi sometimes could have a reddish coloring, especially on their thorax. I actually have a colony of Crematogaster that I'm almost certain is C.ahsmeadi, but they are not jet black. They also aren't as red as the ants in this journal. Is it true that C.ashmeadi are all black? and is there usually a slight amount of variation when it comes to the coloring of Crematogaster ants even of the same species?

 

Thanks and sorry for posting a question on your journal, but I wanted to hear what you thought.

 

There are lots of different Crematogaster species in the eastern US, and a lot of them look almost identical. I've never heard of lighter brown or red ashmeadi but species like C. lineolata, cerasi, and pilosa that appear to be a lot more variable in color. Perhaps your species is one of those.

[Mdrogun]

Nice to see you finally got a colony of these going. It's been so long since we've talked You should make a video of these guys, too, I'd love to see that.

[Aaron567]

February 9, 2019

 

Probably about 200 workers now. I think there are still more pieces of brood than workers and there's still a huge pile of pupae. Some of the eggs being laid are likely trophic eggs to feed the larvae with. Yesterday I started moving the colony into their first formicarium, a Tar Heel Ants Fortress, and they're almost completely moved in now.

 

[Aaron567]

February 16, 2019

 

They stuck all the brood to the glass.

 

[T.C.]

Beautiful.

[Rstheant]

Pheidole Hyatti, and aphaenogaster occidentalis also do this.

[TennesseeAnts]

My Crematogaster ashmeadi are growing fairly quickly with 15 workers and over 150 brood. Any tips?

[VoidElecent]

Absolutely stunning. Yeah, good luck trying to ID these gals

[Aaron567]

May 25, 2019

 

I released this colony into a pine tree today. They grew too fast for my liking and they needed so much food. Felt like keeping Solenopsis invicta. 

[jtremain]

I have a queen still in the tube and am trying to decide if I want to add her to my permanent collection. I am curious about the following if you would:

 

1. How aggressive?

 

2. Preferred carbs and proteins?

 

3. Would a low protein diet stabilize the growth issue with this species?

 

4. Other comments, problems, concerns, other good or bad assets to this species?

 

Thanks.

[ANTdrew]

I don’t keep C. pinicola, but I’m a big Crematogaster fan. Why not add them to your collection?

1. Mine aren’t aggressive at all and don’t even care much when I bump their nest or anything.
2. For carbs I just feed mine Sunburst. They like all insects I give them and some cooked meats. These ants eat like crazy.
3. Why not have a big vigorous colony? If you starve them, escape proofing will be impossible.
4. Given time, these ants can and will escape any set up. They are hell-bent on exploring and have a Peter Parker grip and climbing ability. Escape proofing is the biggest problem with these ants.