40 replies to this topic

[Ecthelion]

So, my first post about this queen was in the Australia section, but since then I have decided to make a journal on here. This queen is handicapped and mssing half of her back leg.

 

So, aafter aboout two weeks she laid eggs. About ten. And then, about two weeks later, the eggs hatched! at this stage she's got a few tiny larvae, but they are growing pretty fast! she's a lot more aggressive now then she was when I first caught her.

 i'll be updating this as I see changes.

I may be adding more species to this.

Edited by Ecthelion, October 28 2021 - 11:50 AM.

[Ecthelion]

Just took another picture, as the previous one is fairly old.

[TestSubjectOne]

I'm interested to see how your colony develops. It looks like they're off to a good start with plenty of healthy brood. The leech-like shape of the larvae and their tendency to actively eat reminds me a lot of my Novomessor cockerelli.

[Ecthelion]

I'm interested to see how your colony develops. It looks like they're off to a good start with plenty of healthy brood. The leech-like shape of the larvae and their tendency to actively eat reminds me a lot of my Novomessor cockerelli.

Yes, they do look similar!

[Ecthelion]

Update. I count 14 larvae. they are about as large as the queen's eye now, some 2-3 mms long.

[Ecthelion]

The queen is down to ten larvae. She's been eating really well and the larvae are definitely getting larger.

[JCRHJM]

14 is usually a lot for the first generation of myrmecia I wonder if the queen consumed them from stress or fed the larvae to each other

[Ecthelion]

14 is usually a lot for the first generation of myrmecia I wonder if the queen consumed them from stress or fed the larvae to each other

I think stress as I checked up on her quite a bit, too much maybe. The larvae had lots of food so I don't think she fed them to each other.

[Ecthelion]

I must have miscounted, as there are 11 larvae. I am feeding them one day after they finish their previous meal, is this too often? they take the prey every time I feed them.

[JCRHJM]

I must have miscounted, as there are 11 larvae. I am feeding them one day after they finish their previous meal, is this too often? they take the prey every time I feed them.

If they take food then its fine 

[Ecthelion]

Well, she's still taking prey, her larvae are growing. I'm thinking of buying her a founding nest.

Edited by Ecthelion, October 7 2021 - 5:08 PM.

[Ecthelion]

Well, one of the larvae appears to have doubled in size in less than a day.

[Ecthelion]

Well, i'm still feeding her regularly and there isn't too much change, except the larvae are growing. There is one on particular that's getting pretty big. The queen seems to be doing quite well and she's drinking honey quite regularly.

[Ecthelion]

This is her brood now! 

[Ecthelion]

The queen is still accepting food and the larvae are still eating, they are definetely growing. I might get a nest for them, as the larvae are getting big!

[Ecthelion]

They are no longer eating, and i would have thought they are close to pupating except they are really small. just about half the length of the queen. Any idea what's up? I've got a nest coming for them i think they'll like.

[JCRHJM]

I would give them a few days, sometimes they take a break

[Ecthelion]

The pilosula are eating again!! 

[Ecthelion]

Got some pics!

[That_one_ant_guy]

I don't know if it's just me but the second pic I think got corrupted