7 replies to this topic

[westhollywoodant]

Got two colonies of Aphaenogaster occidentalis.
One larger colony (A Colony - https://www.formicul...alis-a-colony/)and this one, B-colony had about 5 workers and small batch of eggs when I recieved.
May 30th 2022

May 31st 2022

Edited by westhollywoodant, July 26 2022 - 9:52 AM.

[westhollywoodant]

Brood is growing well, they have made themselves a nice nest they lined with peatmoss and seem to love it. Looking great. 

July 3rd 2022

July 3rd 2022

[westhollywoodant]

...

Edited by westhollywoodant, July 9 2022 - 5:40 PM.

[westhollywoodant]

Colony is doing great. They created a great nest for themsevles by linning it with peat moss and it really holds the humidity in well. Few more workers emerged so now up to about 7 or so workers, few more pupa, few larvae and a nice pile off eggs. 

[westhollywoodant]

They seem to be doing very well. Up to like 12-14 workers. Nice brood pile. All stages. All looking good. 

Edited by westhollywoodant, July 20 2022 - 11:25 PM.

[Ants_Dakota]

Brood is growing well, they have made themselves a nice nest they lined with peatmoss and seem to love it. Looking great. 

July 3rd 2022

2022 07.03 (2).jpg

July 3rd 2022

2022 07.03.jpg

it always gets me as to how aphaenogaster larvae look so strange. They always almost appear unhealthy, as my formica larvae are pure white with a black center.

[westhollywoodant]

Yeah they can have a larger black spot on the larvae.
And the pupa stage is naked so it’s cool to see 😎
But I have limited experience with them.

[westhollywoodant]

I connected A and B colony and they were a little hesitant at first but then they joined forces and seem to be happier. 

Now 30+ workers strong. Only one male alate. and nice brood pile working.  I will do all future updates on the A Colony page; https://www.formicul...talis-a-colony/

Edited by westhollywoodant, July 26 2022 - 9:56 AM.