8 replies to this topic

[Maculata]

Novomessor cockerelli

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Tucson, AZ, southern foothills of Santa Catalina Mountains
2. Date of collection: June 28, 2019
3. Habitat of collection: Sonoran Desert, 2400ft, foothills of Santa Catalina Mountains, mesquite trees and cactus
4. Length (from head to gaster): workers 9-10mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Workers Dark
6. Distinguishing characteristics: 
7. Distinguishing behavior: Forage cool day and all night even some activity into the mid-40 degrees F
8. Nest description: New nests have round ring small pebbles, rain dispersed them considerably in pictures 
9. Unmated queens seen in nest time and date:  June 28, 2019

 

Edited by Maculata, July 10 2019 - 10:08 PM.

[sirjordanncurtis]

Both of those alates appear to be female. One is newly closed and as such is much lighter colored. It's smaller since it hasn't been fed yet.

[Maculata]

How long can they be in the nest with wings?

Can I feed the alates or must the worker feed them?

They are non-aggressive to each other.  I am guessing then they have not mated?

 

The dark ones were wondering with the workers and pupua that had been moved above ground after sunset.

The light ones were being taken (by the throat) back to the nest by workers.

 

I supplied them with 5 workers and food (fruit flies, water, honey water and grains).   

It appeared that the big queen directly ate a fruit fly, is that expected?

 

 

Edited by Maculata, June 28 2019 - 10:04 PM.

[RushmoreAnts]

How long can they be in the nest with wings?

Can I feed the alates or must the worker feed them?

They are non-aggressive to each other.  I am guessing then they have not mated?

 

The dark ones were wondering with the workers and pupua that had been moved above ground after sunset.

The light ones were being taken (by the throat) back to the nest by workers.

 

I supplied them with 5 workers and food (fruit flies, water, honey water and grains).   

It appeared that the big queen directly ate a fruit fly, is that expected?

 

 

If the given species is polygynous (in which colonies can tolerate multiple queens) it doesn't matter whether the queens are mated or not. They will get along regardless. However, these queens haven't mated, since they are still in their parent nest. They will soon have a nuptial flight, and it is best to return them to their colony and allow them to fly off and mate on their own.

Edited by AntsDakota, June 29 2019 - 1:27 PM.

[Maculata]

I did return the 2 queens to the nest.  In July and Aug, I collected about 20 queens, most doing well.  The first pupae are just about fully cooked.  

 

Album: Novomessor cockerelli

43 images

0 comments

 

Found one that has a worker

 

Edited by Maculata, August 26 2019 - 10:32 PM.

[Maculata]

The queen mother posing:

 

Edited by Maculata, August 28 2019 - 11:52 PM.

[ponerinecat]

Great photography

[Antennal_Scrobe]

So jealous! I love Novomessor!

[Maculata]

Thanks!