5 replies to this topic

[Kristijan]

Hello!

Last year in September I caught a Crematogaster schmidti queen, after diapause she layed eggs normally, however those eggs took 3 months to turn into workers! And the newly laid eggs after that are taking 3 months as well it seems...

Some things that are probably notable: I feed them 1-2 fruit flies and a drop of honey once a week. I do not heat them but the temperature in the room they're located in is usually around 26C sometimes it reaches 28C on a hot day.

I'm guessing this isn't normal since Crematogaster is known to be fast growing unless Cr. schmidti is an exception, any info would be appreciated!

[ANTdrew]

Crematogaster is a very diverse genus. I think their growth rates can vary quite a bit. This species may just require more patience. Make sure they are warm enough, and you may want to increase the frequency of protein feedings. 

[Kristijan]

Thanks for the info, I'll try to give them 2-3 fruit flies a week, will that be enough?

[ANTdrew]

I would do 2-3 every other day.

[Kristijan]

Wow, do they just need a lot of protein or do I just feed all of my ants wrong?

[ANTdrew]

Wow, do they just need a lot of protein or do I just feed all of my ants wrong?

Two fruit flies is not a lot of protein.