May 16, 2020
So today I was lucky enough to come across a Myrmecina Americana queen! I found her huddled under a stone in a walkway. Here's more info if needed:
https://www.formicul...nd/#entry146726
These queens are semi-claustral, making them my first semi-claustral queen I have ever cared for! She is also extremely tiny (3-4mm in length) and I have no idea how I would be able to see her eggs! I'm currently doing my research and will feed her soon. I'm still figuring out their growth rate, and I would greatly appreciate any help from people who have kept this species. This should be a fun colony to raise!
Myrmecina Americana queen in her test tube setup (day of capture) [ABOVE]
I found some insects under the same rock I found her under, so I froze them and fed them to her. She immediately began eating them, and should be set for protein for the next week or so.
May 27, 2020
It's been a 11 days and still no eggs. She seems to be settled in nicely however, and I'll give her some time. She really like to eat springtails, but she has a hard time hunting them, so I pre-kill them instead. She usually eats the whole thing in a few days! Hopefully with this new energy boost, she will lay some eggs. Fingers crossed!
I have a colony I've also caught, and they just recently moved into their test tube setup! There is about 30 workers now, the rest drowned in the olive oil barrier I used they are doing very well though! These ants are VERY protein hungry. I've even seen them go after centipedes and beetle grub.
Edited by jushi, May 27 2020 - 5:21 PM.