73 replies to this topic

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

Those definitely look like alate larvae.

I second this the larvae is way larger than the rest.

[Ernteameise]

Those definitely look like alate larvae.

Well, they had boys last year, so they are mature and I am not surprised, even if they are only a small colony (but acorn ants only form small colonies, so there is that).

[futurebird]

I think this is the first time anyone has gotten acorn ants to move into little nut-shaped spaces like this. I know a lot of people have tried and they are very uncooperative, living in the outworld, under the water feeder, in a gap near the lid. Anywhere but the "acorn" or "walnut"

 

Do these ants make satellite colonies?

[Ernteameise]

I think this is the first time anyone has gotten acorn ants to move into little nut-shaped spaces like this. I know a lot of people have tried and they are very uncooperative, living in the outworld, under the water feeder, in a gap near the lid. Anywhere but the "acorn" or "walnut"

 

Do these ants make satellite colonies?

Well, I think the heat cable was the deciding factor for them moving in.

Yes, this species is polydomus by nature, so in the wild, they will inhabit several empty acorns.

Last year I even did a little walk and did seek them out, and I found several acorns which were close to each other and contained what I assumed each a part of the colony.

They are VERY common where I am from. There is a nest in basically every empty acorn you pick up.

I think that they still inhabit several different corners of the outworld, it appears that they have moved mainly their alate larvae next to the heat cable.

Edited by Ernteameise, April 10 2024 - 10:17 AM.

[Ernteameise]

Yummy chicken!

 

[Ernteameise]

Just managed to take a better picture of the future princesses and princes:

 

[Mushu]

Awesome colony. I've always wanted acorn ants, one of the few smaller ant species I wouldn't mind keeping. I may go acorn hunting this summer. You've given me some ideas.

 

I'm thinking a hydrostone cast floor with a few acorns or walnuts halfway wedged into the floor and against the side of a glass/plastic container may work out. Maybe even a natural setup.

[Ernteameise]

Awesome colony. I've always wanted acorn ants, one of the few smaller ant species I wouldn't mind keeping. I may go acorn hunting this summer. You've given me some ideas.

 

I'm thinking a hydrostone cast floor with a few acorns or walnuts halfway wedged into the floor and against the side of a glass/plastic container may work out. Maybe even a natural setup.

Good luck!

I actually think they are very cute and very easy to keep. Plus, they need only a small amount of space.

[Ernteameise]

We continue to have quite a bit of brood and this walnut has proven to be a success.

 

[Ernteameise]

The boiled chicken I gave them today proved to be extremely popular.

They loved it!

 

[Ernteameise]

OMG!

The alates have emerged!

You have seen all these large alate larvae I shared above.

Well, today, I have many winged queens in the enclosure.

Beautiful girls.

I also only see girls, no boys. This is different from last year, where I only saw boys.

Maybe they change around which sex they produce, to avoid inbreeding? I have read that some species do that.

No, I won't release them, but maybe they will adapt to a live as workers?

 

 

 

 

[Ernteameise]

Just to show that the girls are still alive.

Here they enjoy some dinner.

 

 

(by the way, all the young queens shown above have disappeared and were probably "recycled").

[Ernteameise]

The Walnut girls are still around and well.

Here they are enjoying some chicken:

 

[UtahAnts]

Good to see them doing so well. That Walnut setup is amazing! Any female alates left? I kept a Temnothorax colony to alates as well and some of the alates ended up losing their wings, staying in the nest. I'm also curious if you've seen any gamergate-like workers with larger abdomens?