33 replies to this topic

[FelixTheAnter]

Alright, I've made my decision. The beetles stay! They're too cool to get rid of. I'll start a dedicated colony journal soon (will post link here when it's done), but for now here's a slightly better look:



I'm actually a professional photographer, and have a dedicated macro setup for my camera...guess I'm gonna have to break it out and see if I can get some nice photos Test tubes aren't the easiest to photograph in, though.

[Ernteameise]

Yay!

You are right, this is just too interesting and exciting to not hold on to.

I am very much looking forward to your journal and the upcoming pictures!

[FelixTheAnter]

Thanks! I asked the seller, and he said he has other colonies with the beetles too. I want... Lol

[FelixTheAnter]

I came back from walking the dogs to find their test tube nearly empty. These losers moved the entire colony underneath a flat piece of wood in their enclosure. I figured they wouldn't do it because there's no moisture, totally dry...I was wrong. So I'm currently in the process of evicting hundreds of tiny ants from pieces of wood, and then they have officially lost their wood privelages

Edited by FelixTheAnter, April 16 2023 - 3:41 AM.

[FelixTheAnter]

[FelixTheAnter]

Alrighty bois and gals, we've got a wild update here!

When I first discovered these beetles, I posted in an insect ID group asking for help identifying them. Someone gave me the name of a university entomologist in the US and told me I should get in contact with her. Apparently myrmecophile beetles are extremely difficult to find/establish in captivity.

She responded right away and was SUPER excited about what I'd told her. She was actually hoping I could send her the colony, but since she lives on the other side of the world it's probably too risky to ship. So, we have a video call scheduled tomorrow! Sounds like she may be interested in collaborating, which I'd absolutely love to do if possible. I'll keep y'all updated, will try to get an actual colony journey started soon!!

[Ernteameise]

OMG this is so exciting!!!!!

Keep us updated how it goes!

[Flu1d]

This thread was already an aged, fine wine.. now it's a whole 5 course meal on top of that. Good stuff!

[FelixTheAnter]

Video call went well!! She's super interested in having me observe/video whatever I can! And I'm also going to see if the seller manages to get more colonies with beetles. Apparently these beetles are super hard to come by, and she's only ever gotten a few specimens herself. She's literally written full papers on these types of beetles, so I have definitely found *the* expert for these guys! She looked slightly horrified when I told her the seller had been removing/discarding the beetles from ant colonies he was selling LOL

Fingers crossed I can get these guys to breed at a very minimum, so I can send her some specimens. But what I'm REALLY hoping for is that the seller I got these from will have beetles in the new colonies he's getting next week. Or that they'll breed and I can establish the babies with other colonies.

Fingers crossed. So glad I decided to ID & keep these guys.

[gcsnelling]

Now that there is an interest in the beetles, you can count on the price going up.

[ANTdrew]

Now that there is an interest in the beetles, you can count on the price going up.

Out: Myrmecines — In: Myrmecophile parasites

[FelixTheAnter]

Now that there is an interest in the beetles, you can count on the price going up.

I hope not! The guy sounded like he was potentially considering sending one to her for free, so he seems like a good dude. I doubt so many people have this much of an interest in beetles that'll eat their ants haha

[FelixTheAnter]

Now that there is an interest in the beetles, you can count on the price going up.

Out: Myrmecines — In: Myrmecophile parasites

Will let y'all know if I manage to breed them. Will sell fresh beetles. €10,000 each, firm.

Edit to add: this was a joke in case it wasn't clear lol

Edited by FelixTheAnter, April 22 2023 - 11:24 AM.

[FelixTheAnter]

Finally got the colony journal started:

https://www.formicul...etles/?p=225105