12 replies to this topic

[Canadant]

I've posted about finding a Crematogastor queen today - Wingless and wandering (just how we like them).

She's in a test tube and looks great.

So I headed down to 'Crematogastor alley' (this trail is lined with old rail ties and is actually the old railroad, since extinct), a public trail here in Nova Scotia, and grabbed some very young brood.

There were alate queens and males in the hundreds in these nests, so I was surprised that I found a wingless queen today.

So, think the queen will accept the brood?

Thoughts, complaints and emotional outbursts please.

[Canadian anter]

Yes

[TennesseeAnts]

Thoughts, complaints and emotional outbursts please.

[Canadant]

Yes

Thanks Canadian Anter! Next question. How do I get the brood (such fresh tiny eggs) into the test tube? Qtip? Skewer? Hmmm.... gonna be tough. I would like it to be quick and painless for her.

[ANTdrew]

I like using feathers for moving eggs and brood.

[Mercutia]

I've always used a skewer but you have to be VERY VERY careful. 

[Canadian anter]

I've always done it by hand or with a qtio because the moisture allows me to have the brood stick to my Hans without being damaged

[ponerinecat]

Moisturize the end of a thin object, the brood should stick right to it.

[MegaMyrmex]

I get a wooden Q-tip, snap it in half so one end becomes really thin and pointy, slightly dampen it, and use that for manual transfer. 

[ponerinecat]

I get a wooden Q-tip, snap it in half so one end becomes really thin and pointy, slightly dampen it, and use that for manual transfer. 

I use sewing needles.

[Canadant]

Thanks everyone. I'll check on her today and see if she has moved in and laid an egg or two. Heres hoping.

[ANTdrew]

I doubt she will lay until after hibernation. Much patience is needed with this genus, but it is SO worth it.

[Canadant]

I doubt she will lay until after hibernation. Much patience is needed with this genus, but it is SO worth it.

So she seems to have accepted the brood. She just put some in her mouth and cartied/fondled them. She then gently inspected the small pile. Transfer was simple. Best to get a clump of little eggs than one at a time. They're pretty small.

So since she took the brood, and I can easily get more, should I put more in there to boost?

Thoughts, complaints or emotional outbursts, please.

Any excuse to get out anting on my day off! Lol.

And thanks all!