111 replies to this topic

[NickAnter]

It was probably a male at that size. They probably threw it out as they didn't want to take care of it. I would let it be for a bit.

[M_Ants]

Oof. Why did they even have a male?

[Cephalotus]

No, it doesn't necessarily mean its dead. From your post it seems that the fat larvae spun its cocoon on the 27th, meaning its barely been a week since it pupated. The pupal stage for myrmecocystus typically lasts at least 2 weeks so it may very well still be alive. I don't believe that the ants would discard it as trash because halfway into its pupal stage they can suddenly tell it's a male. I would advise against discarding it or trying to manually open it. Just give it another 1-2 weeks and see what happens. 

[M_Ants]

Sounds good. I'll wait. I'm still curious why there was a male in the first place though.

[Cephalotus]

It just a trophic egg that wasn’t eaten

[M_Ants]

Male cocoon is still in the outworld. I want to open it. Other cocoon is STILL unopened. It's taking FOREVER. I saw one larvae in a worker's mouth. Kinda disappointing since I saw 4 eggs once a while back. Took them off of heat so probably not much going to happen for a long time.

[M_Ants]

Finally! They are currently opening the cocoon. I can see the ant's eyes even though it's still inside. I'll update when the callow emerges. 

[M_Ants]

That was fast they almost have it open. It looks huge compared to the other workers. Hopefully it becomes a replete. 

[M_Ants]

Worker update #3. They got it out of the cocoon. It's legs look bent and weird so hopefully the get that straightened out before it's exoskeleton hardens. (pun intended) 

[M_Ants]

It's on the ceiling so I guess that's good news. One of its antennae is still weird though. 

 

Edited by M_Ants, November 24 2020 - 7:12 PM.

[M_Ants]

Been taking photos that show the replete's growth. It has certainly passed up the minipletes. Not quite a full sphere yet but getting there.

Edited by M_Ants, December 2 2020 - 3:09 PM.

[Kaelwizard]

Ooh I want to see.

[TechAnt]

I have one of these too! I can't get any good photos of it though..I only got a single decent-ish photo. Awesome you have a replete too

[M_Ants]

Miniplete is not growing. Might have actually gotten a little smaller. Gave them a cricket leg and they went crazy. They brought it into the nest and have been munching away at it. They have been a lot more active lately too. I think they were a little low on protein.  

[M_Ants]

Put them back on heat today. Now the plan is to feed them a ton and get finally get some new workers. 

[antsandmore]

Put them back on heat today. Now the plan is to feed them a ton and get finally get some new workers. 

you should also add the queen you caught onto this journal

[M_Ants]

 

Put them back on heat today. Now the plan is to feed them a ton and get finally get some new workers. 

you should also add the queen you caught onto this journal

 

I should. Little bummed my first pot queens are the one species I own. 

Edited by M_Ants, February 9 2021 - 4:56 PM.

[TechAnt]

Nice!

[M_Ants]

Went looking for queens the other day at a local trail after hearing of success in the desert on discord. I went at the same time as someone else but we went to different trails. He caught a queen and to my surprise, it was a testaceus queen. I didn't even know they existed at the trail. I was so mad I didn't go on the other trail. The next day I went as soon as I could. During daylight I found nothing. I saw Camponotus nests and no founding chambers. I ended up hiking to the peak of the trail I was on. Then on the way back down, (it was dark now) I saw what I believe are Ca02. I collected some workers and because I was extra focused on the ground near the Ca02, I saw a founding chamber. A queen popped out to drop some dirt off outside her chamber. I waited till she came back out and blocked her way back in. Then I used some forceps to collect her. On the way back down I caught 2 more queens. They were much easier to spot at night when they popped out to dig. I even successfully dug one queen out without injuring her. I did find a 4th but she got spooked and when I dug for her, I never found her again. Either way, it was probably my most successful anting trip. Best part was I didn't have to drive 2 hours to the desert like I always thought I'd have to. I've since fed the queens and put them on heat. Will check on them in a month.

Edited by M_Ants, March 14 2021 - 10:51 AM.

[TechAnt]

Awww, nice!