23 replies to this topic

[AntsOmega25]

 

Caught this Solenopsis Geminata Queen on Thursday, May 11 2023 at around 10PM. They were having nuptial flights and a few queens landed on the fountain. Once I see the fastest growing colony I will keep that one. Right now they all have a small batch of eggs. Can't wait for this colony!!!

Edited by AntsOmega25, June 13 2023 - 2:52 PM.

[ANTdrew]

How is this a native geminata if you live in Ontario??

[Virginian_ants]

They are a really cool speices do i will be watching this journal. I've heard they are escape artists so be careful.

[Flu1d]

I really love me some dark form gemi's!!!

Edited by Flu1d, June 13 2023 - 3:55 PM.

[AntsOmega25]

They are dark form Solenopsis Geminata,from Dominican Republic, so they are darker however the majors are larger. I will be extremely careful to not let them escape, as the minor workers are really small as well as the major's ability to chew through a lot of materials.

Edited by AntsOmega25, June 14 2023 - 3:33 AM.

[Flu1d]

Yes, found in Dominican Republic and got the permits They are dark form Solenopsis Geminata, so they are darker however the majors are larger. I will be extremely careful to not let them escape, as the minor workers are really small as well as the major's ability to chew through a lot of materials.

Yeah, that wouldn't be "native". You found "dark form" geminata, which are native to the Southern US and some other areas.

I think it's super cool that you own them, ESPECIALLY the "dark form", as these, to me, are much cooler than the red form and are native to me down here in Florida.

[Manitobant]

Florida also has dark form geminata

[Flu1d]

Florida also has dark form geminata

Yup, they're native here and some have said (with no proof) that it's possible they may have started in Florida and branched to other areas from here over time.

[AntsOmega25]

Unfortunately one of the winged queens ended up being unfertile, scattering her eggs, and dying. It's okay though, I still got 9 more which is more than plenty! 

[AntsOmega25]

Lots of larvae now! She has a large and healthy brood pile! I

[Flu1d]

That's a pretty girl, for sure!

[AntsOmega25]

Brood pile exploding now! I counted at least 40 brood of all stages! There is even a pupae on the far left! 

[AntsOmega25]

The crazy part is she had eggs until I got her a heat mat around a week ago, so she went from egg to pupae in just a week after the heat mat! Crazy growth!

[Flu1d]

Solenopsis geminata, like invicta, want a ridiculous amount of heat. My invicta stay as close to the heating cable as possible, and my house temp stays around 80-83°F (Not because I want it to, I have no AC and I live in Florida). They are blowing up at these heat levels and I honestly wouldn't doubt it if they wanted more (but this is enough because they will outgrow any nest I have if I give them more heat and increase their food intake)

Have fun with these!

Edited by Flu1d, June 13 2023 - 3:54 PM.

[AntsOmega25]

Yes, they do love the heat and grow really really fast with it!

Also, Changed the name to "Penta's Dark Solenopsis Geminata Journal"

[Flu1d]

Yes, they do love the heat and grow really really fast with it!
Also, Changed the name to "Penta's Dark Solenopsis Geminata Journal"

I can't wait to watch this colony grow! I will probably never be able to find one of these queens myself, but I hope I can one day! Until then, I will live vicariously through your journal lol

[AntsOmega25]

Lots of pupae! 

[AntsOmega25]

June 18, 2023 (37 Days Old)

First Nanitic! Yay!

She is right next to the queen. There are many more pupae about to eclose as well! 

Edited by AntsOmega25, June 18 2023 - 2:32 PM.

[AntsCali098]

You are brave to keep geminata, good luck with this colony!

[antsriondel]

Wow nice!