13 replies to this topic

[EthanNgo678]

Hi, I'm currently keeping a few colonies of Myrmecocystus, one colony of M mimicus, and two M yuma (one colony and one queen). My M mimicus colony has around eight workers currently, I was wondering when I should move them into a tarheel ants mini hearth? I understand It can be stressful to the ants if one were to move a colony too soon, however, If I were to simply connect the nest would it be ok? Also, one of my M yuma queens has failed to open and pupa, I have manually opened one, but the poor worker was rejected by the queen. I was thinking to cut my losses and give here brood to another colony, thoughts?

[That_one_ant_guy]

Hi, I'm currently keeping a few colonies of Myrmecocystus, one colony of M mimicus, and two M yuma (one colony and one queen). My M mimicus colony has around eight workers currently, I was wondering when I should move them into a tarheel ants mini hearth? I understand It can be stressful to the ants if one were to move a colony too soon, however, If I were to simply connect the nest would it be ok? Also, one of my M yuma queens has failed to open and pupa, I have manually opened one, but the poor worker was rejected by the queen. I was thinking to cut my losses and give here brood to another colony, thoughts?

I would move them into a mini hearth after they get there first replete or after 15ish workers, also just keep the yuma, does she have another other pupae that are almost ready to hatch?

Edited by That_one_ant_guy, October 21 2022 - 2:33 PM.

[EthanNgo678]

 

Hi, I'm currently keeping a few colonies of Myrmecocystus, one colony of M mimicus, and two M yuma (one colony and one queen). My M mimicus colony has around eight workers currently, I was wondering when I should move them into a tarheel ants mini hearth? I understand It can be stressful to the ants if one were to move a colony too soon, however, If I were to simply connect the nest would it be ok? Also, one of my M yuma queens has failed to open and pupa, I have manually opened one, but the poor worker was rejected by the queen. I was thinking to cut my losses and give here brood to another colony, thoughts?

I would move them into a mini hearth after they get there first replete or after 15ish workers, also just keep the yuma, does she have another other pupae that are almost ready to hatch?

 

Ok, thank you for the reply! Yes, one is nearly ready too, I was thinking if this one is also discarded I would just giver here brood to another colony.

[ZTYguy]

You can put them in now. They are a pretty fast growing species and will easily outgrow the mini hearth in about 6 months time with frequent feeding.

[EthanNgo678]

You can put them in now. They are a pretty fast growing species and will easily outgrow the mini hearth in about 6 months time with frequent feeding.

Ok, would you reccomend dupming them or letting them move in at their own pace. Thanks for the reply, I apprecaite it. 

[MrPurpleB]

I haven't dumped pots myself before. I have dumped my other ants, mostly Camponotus, into other test tubes. I have seen other members dumb or recommend dumping, the only thing you might need to worry is popping any small replete if any has become.

 

You could try to move them with a paintbrush and just like slowly move the replete by and, and the dump the rest of the ants?

[ZTYguy]

I recommend dumping. But if you wanna post a pic of the colony I can better suggest a moving method. I have had success with dumping however there are circumstances where I would do otherwise.

[EthanNgo678]

My apologies for the poor quality, but in description, I just received this colony from the mail, they have around 7-8 workers, 1 pupa, and several larva. They've excepted a fruit fly, but haven't ventured farther than the start of the paper towel. The queen is filled with honey. I hope this helps, I wish they were as easy as my acromyrmex (knocks on wood).

Edited by EthanNgo678, October 21 2022 - 7:33 PM.

[EthanNgo678]

I haven't dumped pots myself before. I have dumped my other ants, mostly Camponotus, into other test tubes. I have seen other members dumb or recommend dumping, the only thing you might need to worry is popping any small replete if any has become.

 

You could try to move them with a paintbrush and just like slowly move the replete by and, and the dump the rest of the ants?

Thanks for the idea, the only ant that is filled to be a replete is the queen, so I will probably do that. Thanks for the input!

[ZTYguy]

Yeah just dump them.

[EthanNgo678]

Yeah just dump them.

Ok, thank you! I'll update this thread later on how it goes.

[dspdrew]

Yeah, don't wait for Myrmecocystus to move on their own. Half the time they will just choose to die rather than move.

[EthanNgo678]

Yeah, don't wait for Myrmecocystus to move on their own. Half the time they will just choose to die rather than move.

Got it, thanks. I moved them in without any problems, they've started accepting foods, both sugars and insects. 

[EthanNgo678]

Although the move went without a hitch, and they’ve been excepting both sugars and insects. Two workers have died. I have no idea why, I can’t seem to find success with this genus.