41 replies to this topic

[Broncos]

About 5 months ago i received a formica francoeuri colony from dspdrew with 30 workers and I just gave them an antzforall 3d printed nest and they love putting their cocoons right next to the heating pad.

sorry my photo was horrible because I was half asleep.(But you'll get the idea)

Edited by Broncos, October 8 2019 - 5:12 AM.

[Broncos]

They are at about 150 workers and housed in the 3d nest and 2 of dspdrews small dirt box formicariums.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

Nice, would love to hear more about the colony's development next year after hibernation

[Broncos]

Nice, would love to hear more about the colony's development next year after hibernation

These do not hibernate because they have hot winters and autumns (California BTW)  . But if I see a slow in development then I will hibernate them.

[Canadian anter]

Dr. Snelling mentioned that Formica do better with some hibernation

[Broncos]

Dr. Snelling mentioned that Formica do better with some hibernation

ok I'll put them in for 2 months is that about right? And should i do it in november

[Broncos]

These have lost about 20 workers because they just sit there for hours then die. More dying every day

[Manitobant]

Maybe they need hibernation? Have you fed them recently? Maybe they need water?

[DDD101DDD]

Have you made changes in their diet?

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

Have you made changes in their diet?

I agree with DD. One of the overlooked aspects of antkeeping is diet, and the fact that like us, ants need variety in their diets. The saying "Variety is the spice of life" is especially true.

[DDD101DDD]

 

Have you made changes in their diet?

I agree with DD. One of the overlooked aspects of antkeeping is diet, and the fact that like us, ants need variety in their diets. The saying "Variety is the spice of life" is especially true.

 

I was more thinking about pesticides in a new diet, but that's a good point too.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

These have lost about 20 workers because they just sit there for hours then die. More dying every day

I will try my best to help because this isn't my cup of tea.
1. Are they foraging less often?
2. Have they stopped eating?
3. If they haven't stopped eating, have you fed them too much carbohydrates? (I have seen ants go diabetic)
4. If they haven't stopped eating and you are sure it's not the sugars, have they stopped eating protein? If not, have you checked your insects for pesticides from the area you caught them/ bought them?
5. Have their brood stopped developing?
6. Has the queen stopped laying?
7. Are you sure you're not under/over 'watering' your ants?
8. Has there been any mold outbreaks? If so, just offer them some rosin and they will clean themselves with it.
Numbers 1, 2, 5, and 6 are sure signs of needing hibernation. The other are unrelated. Well, I guess I can't say I didn't try! You're welcome for any help this may provide

[TennesseeAnts]

As far as I'm aware, the only Formica species that harvest and use resin are species in the Formica rufa complex. Formica francoeri belong to the fusca complex.

Edited by Ant_Dude2908, October 15 2019 - 3:30 PM.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

As far as I'm aware, the only Formica species that harvest and use resin are species in the Formica rufa complex. Formica francoeri belong to the fusca complex.

Really? Because I read that all wood ants (North American Formica species) all will use rosin. Well it couldn't hurt to try could it?

[Broncos]

Thank you all so much. I have 2 byformica liquid feeders one with water the other with sunburst nectar. So they should be fine. I will feed them more but it has been regular other than the 1 week break they had from crickets and fruit flies. We'll see how it goes.

[TennesseeAnts]

As far as I'm aware, the only Formica species that harvest and use resin are species in the Formica rufa complex. Formica francoeri belong to the fusca complex.

Really? Because I read that all wood ants (North American Formica species) all will use rosin. Well it couldn't hurt to try could it?

The common name "wood ant" or "thatched mound ant" refers to members of the rufa complex.

[NickAnter]

All of this is evidence that common names are varying, and unlike Latin names, not universally known. Therefore, pointless.

[Broncos]

Their mass death spree seems to have slowed or stopped here is the photo.


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The pike under the sticks is the dead ants.


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[Broncos]

You can see the dead pile under the sticks. It’s a horrible photo!


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[Broncos]

I caught this batch of eggs by the heat mat



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