Recently, I caught a Camponotus floridanus queen, and a little bit a go I caught a Camponotus inaequalis queen. I’ll be sharing some pictures later today. Both share the common name the Florida Carpenter Ant, or what I have read.
“ The Florida carpenter ant complex is comprised of several species, two of which are common around structures: Camponotus floridanus (Buckley) and Camponotus tortuganus (Emery). These bicolored arboreal ants are among the largest ants found in Florida, making them apparent as they forage or fly indoors and out.”
https://edis.ifas.uf...blication/IN455
June 4th, 2022
Camponotus inaequalis alate was caught searching for a nest. She shed her wings shortly after outing her with a male she cared for and fed. Separated after shedding.
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June 17th, 2022
Camponotus inaequalis queen extremely physogastric, laid an egg. Now has a good batch going of 5 eggs. I also brood boosted her using C. floridanus brood.
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June 21st, 2022
Caught a Camponotus floridnaus queen that flew to a black light. Quickly caught her and a few males, all but one of she killed, and put them in a test tube. Male was fed, and survived.
June 23rd, 2022
Male turns up dead, despite being fed. Queen sheds wings, I suspect mating in the tube, as all the other males of similar species I caught died after 30 minutes of captivity, except for 1 or 2 which were later released.
June 24th, 2022
Camponotus floridnaus queen goes on to lay 2 eggs, considering brood boosting her.
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Edited by FloridaAnts, October 28 2022 - 4:44 AM.