145 replies to this topic

[madbiologist]

Wow, great update!

Also, for the Formica pallidefulva-group colony (2nd one), consider F. incerta, as I believe they might just be the dark, Northern color variant.

Yes, I'm considering incerta for them. The original colony's queen is also significantly larger, so it's possible that they are Formica dolosa. I'll have to get dead workers under the microscope from each to confirm either way sometime.

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[ANTdrew]

Breathtaking photos!

[madbiologist]

5/21

Back from another too long break, I really need to find more time to update this journal. Still don't have a ton of time right now, so I'll just do an update on some of the notable colonies I have.

 

Camponotus castaneus

They ended up eating the pupa that I mentioned in the last update, but they grew another one after that and it eclosed successfully, bringing them up to three workers! They now have another pupa and a few growing larvae. I think this could be the rebound if everything keeps going well and the two remaining nanitics don't die for a month or two.

 

Camponotus sp.

Just moved this colony into a new nest, I think they're enjoying it so far!

 

Lasius aphidicola

Up to approximately 30 biological workers now, and loads more to come! They have a pile of pupae left still, and tons of larvae and eggs!

 

That's all for today!

[ANTdrew]

Some of the best photos I've seen on here.

[CANant]

Wow! Love all the stunning photos. Thanks for the update too!

[madbiologist]

6/5

 

Here's a short video of one of my Camponotus colonies. 

 

https://imgur.com/rGCiVRz

Edited by madbiologist, June 4 2021 - 8:22 PM.