76 replies to this topic

[Leptomyrmx]

I'm back from my FNQ trip. I wasn't expecting to find anything because it's winter but I found a Polyrhachis (Cyrtomyrma) sp., I think it's Polyrhachis robinsoni. So, basically Polyrhachis australis. Let's hope she does better than my last Cyrtomyrma queen.

[Leptomyrmx]

New video on my Podomyrma out now:

Muscleman Tree Ants Episode 1 - First on YouTube!

And yeah, I'm the first person to document a captive colony on YouTube.

I fed the Crematogaster and Podomyrma honey which they both liked. I'll be giving them some protein soon.

I also moved the Polyrhachis cf. robinsoni queen into a petri-dish type setup with some substrate they often make their nests out of. It's made up of coco fibre, sand, dried leaves and normal leaves.

Edited by Leptomyrmx, June 12 2022 - 10:12 PM.

[ANTdrew]

Need more cowbell/ Crematogaster content.

[Leptomyrmx]

Ok sure, quick Crematogaster update:

I'm trying to move them into an AntKeep Small nest, but... well... they don't want to-

should I... tip them?

I also gave them some honey and they already have some protein in their tube (I can't get it out, it's at the very back of the tube).

And yes, a video is scheduled for next week about them.

[Leptomyrmx]

Ok guys, got some bad news on the Crematogaster unfortunately...

A few workers got out, so I put them in a tubs and tubes setup, but somehow there was a spider in there, which killed one of the workers

I'm putting them in a different outworld now.

In good news, I have a new video on them out now: Crematogaster Episode 1 - Kool Kid Antz

(Note: if you're following my journal just for the Crematogaster content, that's completely fine! I just think it's funny how many people followed for them.)

[ANTdrew]

Yeah, they’re kind of the reason I checked. If they aren’t escaping, then they aren’t Crematogaster.

[Leptomyrmx]

Crematogaster just gave me a heart attack... I checked on them and they weren't in their test tube... they had moved into the sand. Thank goodness.

[ColAnt735]

Crematogaster just gave me a heart attack... I checked on them and they weren't in their test tube... they had moved into the sand. Thank goodness.

 

Your troubles have only just begun. 

Edited by ColAnt735, June 22 2022 - 5:33 AM.

[ANTdrew]

Read my journal through and learn from my mistakes.

[Leptomyrmx]

I guess when you all said Crematogaster were fun, you mean rollercoaster fun...

[Leptomyrmx]

Ok, Crematogaster update:

It's finally the school holidays for me, so I can relax and spend more time on ant stuff.

The first thing I did was move the Crematogasters into a more secure nest and outworld. I was very worried about them in their little hole, and the good news is, they're alive. The bad news is, they've about a quatre of their workers. I think I let the humidity get too high, so their new outworld is well ventilated.

I hope they'll be ok.

 

All the other colonies aren't doing much since it's getting colder here.

[Leptomyrmx]

Podomyrma update:

A new worker eclosed! The bad news is she didn't eclose particularly well and has a little trouble walking. I saw her cleaning brood though so at least she can do that.

 

No other updates due to the cold weather.

[FinWins]

Podomyrma update:
A new worker eclosed! The bad news is she didn't eclose particularly well and has a little trouble walking. I saw her cleaning brood though so at least she can do that.
 
No other updates due to the cold weather.

So one of my Pogonomyrmex rugosus workers enclosed poorly and it could hardly walk. It looked like it was go to die but when I checked on it later its exoskeleton had hardened up and it was running around like the other worker (small colony).

[Leptomyrmx]

 

Podomyrma update:
A new worker eclosed! The bad news is she didn't eclose particularly well and has a little trouble walking. I saw her cleaning brood though so at least she can do that.
 
No other updates due to the cold weather.

So one of my Pogonomyrmex rugosus workers enclosed poorly and it could hardly walk. It looked like it was go to die but when I checked on it later its exoskeleton had hardened up and it was running around like the other worker (small colony).

 

 

And that's exactly what's happened! She can walk fine now.

[Leptomyrmx]

Very sad news. The Crematogaster queen passed away. 

The high humidity in their old setup really weakened them and they weren't really eating, and the very cold weather didn't help either.

I feel really bad because I could have prevented it.

[ANTdrew]

Nooooooooooooooooo

[Leptomyrmx]

Alright, I know I haven't been active on the forum much, but I might be able to revive this journal... a Pheidole antipodum queen popped up for sale for $80. I'm considering buying one, but then again, they have a pretty high death rate though.

 

I've been feeling a bit demotivated with antkeeping lately. My colonies never seem to get past the founding stage and grow slowly, which shouldn't be happening. I'm also kind of worried that I'll buy it and it'll die, which will make me feel worse. Any advice?

Edited by Leptomyrmx, June 3 2023 - 4:27 PM.