4 replies to this topic

[Queen]

Does C. fragilis normally have a very fast growth rate based on your experience?

 

I received my colony on 5/23 with 5 workers, 1 pupae, a few small larvae, no eggs.

 

Today 7/23, just shy of 2 months, the colony has 30+ workers with 1 huge major (almost the size of a queen), 20+ pupae, 10+ larvae, 10+ eggs.

 

Just wondering if this is their normal growth rate or did I do something extra to promote growth?

 

Thanks.

[ReignofRage]

We would need to know what temperature you are keeping them at and also how often they had/have access to sugars and protein.

[Queen]

We would need to know what temperature you are keeping them at and also how often they had/have access to sugars and protein.

 

Temp not measured, but there is a heating cable next to it to keep a gradient.

Sugar readily available through liquid feeder. They have either humming bird mix or byformica sunburst (whichever one is easier for me to prep during that time)

Protein every other day or whenever they finish their meal (whichever is later). Finished is defined as I see no ants eating and only exoskeletons or inedible remnants inside or outside of the nest. Protein includes fruit flies, red runners, crickets.

[TestSubjectOne]

That's normal growth for the species under good conditions. Mine (C. absqualator) are at 70 workers with 4 majors from 6 workers after 250 days, but I've fed them less regularly than you. Colonies will adjust their growth to match the amount of food they get, and thermophilic species slow when they aren't heated.

[Queen]

That's normal growth for the species under good conditions. Mine (C. absqualator) are at 70 workers with 4 majors from 6 workers after 250 days, but I've fed them less regularly than you. Colonies will adjust their growth to match the amount of food they get, and thermophilic species slow when they aren't heated.

Thanks!