13 replies to this topic

[PurdueEntomology]

Proceratium crassicorne.  Will follow up with culture and care.

I have had this colony since last fall.  

[PurdueEntomology]

They have just been given some spider eggs of two separate and as of yet unidentified species of spiders.   They needed to eat though!

[ponerinecat]

WOO! nother purdue journal!

[PurdueEntomology]

Proceratium Culture 

Author:  Gary Edwards

 

 

Scientific Name:  Proceratium species

Common Name:  Proceratium

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution:  Throughout North America

 
Queen size:  3.5 – 5.5 mm. [depending on species]
 
Worker size:  2.5-3.5 mm. [depending on species]
 
Natural Habitat:  In North America species may be found under deep set stones[1], under thick slightly moist duff over rocks in forested areas[2]
 
Circadian Activity:  Cryptobiotic
 
Mating Flight :  Author has found colonies in August with alates in Blue Ridge area of Appalachia
 
Queen Founding Method:  Semi-Claustral, needs to be provided with spider eggs
 
Monogyne or Polygyne:  Generally monogynous though polygynous colonies have been observed by author. 

Average time from egg to worker:  currently unknown.
 
Recommended Temperature:  Summer: 70-80F.   Winter: 38-47F.
 
Recommended Humidity:  70-80%
 
Preferred Foods:  Arthropod eggs specifically spider.  The American House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) is a good source of eggs.  Best to culture the spider and use freshly laid eggs i.e., after egg sack is produced and spider egg development has not progressed by more than a few days.  
 
Hibernation Details:  Hibernation for up to 3 months at between 38-47F.  Will overwinter with brood.
 
Escape Barrier Methods:  These ants are best kept in enclosed containers with covers in a native soil mix.  See Photo.
 
Difficulty rating:  Difficult and for experienced keepers

 
Bite and/or Sting rating:  NO
 
Special Care or Interesting Notes:  Dietary needs are very specific.  Author houses in small petri dishes housed in larger dishes.

 
 

 

Additional Links:

https://www.antwiki.org/wiki/Key_to_US_Proceratium_species

[1] https://www.antwiki....iki/Proceratium

[2] Author’s personal experience

[ponerinecat]

Why the double set of petris?

[PurdueEntomology]

Why the double set of petris?

I have a smaller petri with native soil in which I keep the colony, then that petri is placed within a larger one with an absorbent  cut paper towel piece which I keep moist.  This way the smaller dish stays moist longer.  I have not tried a typical formicarium with this genus and as such I felt this way I could more easily maintain moisture in the colony-containing dish. 

[TheMicroPlanet]

Has anyone ever tried keeping a spider egg culture in the same way one might keep mealworms to feed ants?

Edited by TheMicroPlanet, May 5 2020 - 8:36 AM.

[PurdueEntomology]

Has anyone ever tried keeping a spider egg culture in the same way one might keep mealworms to feed ants?

I am currently housing some American House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) as per a scientific journal article I came across, but these are 4 wild collected females and I am not even sure if they mated last fall.  So far no eggs have been laid though I am also culturing drosophila to feed them and my ants.  I am unfortunately left to go out and hunt for viable spider eggs.  I am hoping to get this spider culture down. 

[ponerinecat]

 

Why the double set of petris?

I have a smaller petri with native soil in which I keep the colony, then that petri is placed within a larger one with an absorbent  cut paper towel piece which I keep moist.  This way the smaller dish stays moist longer.  I have not tried a typical formicarium with this genus and as such I felt this way I could more easily maintain moisture in the colony-containing dish. 

 

I see! Very interesting, I can use that for some of my ants.

[Manitobant]

You could try feeding them ant eggs, that may work.

[PurdueEntomology]

You could try feeding them ant eggs, that may work.

I have from various genera, they show no interest.

[ponerinecat]

Dead ants?

[PurdueEntomology]

Dead ants?

haha, no not tried that but I have tried dead collembola...I am pretty sure they are rather spider specific and even then only certain aged eggs...

[ponerinecat]

I see.