28 replies to this topic

[Tanks]

In the past I've struggled with founding Pogonomyrmex californicus queens. How do I do it? Could someone give me instructions on how to found them and the do's and don'ts? I do know some stuff like they're grainavoirs, they like heat, and that there semi-claustral, but I need help with other things

Edited by Tanks, June 11 2023 - 10:02 PM.

[AntsCali098]

Its really just like any other queen, but they need some seeds in the test tube even when just a single queen. They require about 85 degrees fahrenheit, I don't have a lot of experience with founding them, but they do fine if you provide them seeds and heat them. Also, at least with my founding queens in the past, they don't like light, so try not to check on them very often.

[Tanks]

Ok, would the seed mix that dspdrew sells work good for founding them? Also, can they survive temperatures in the 100’s because sometimes in the summer it can get up there in the room I would keep them in. And, what about insect protein?

Edited by Tanks, June 11 2023 - 11:18 PM.

[ReignofRage]

For temps, 90-100℉ is perfect for founding any species of the genus that you'll find in California. The founding gynes will take pretty much any seeds you give them, for larger harder seeds it could be wise to crush them.

[Tanks]

Ok, I have organic chia and poppy seed, but I'm planning on buying a pre-made seed mix. Can you direct me to one that will work for a founding queen?

For temps, 90-100℉ is perfect for founding any species of the genus that you'll find in California. The founding gynes will take pretty much any seeds you give them, for larger harder seeds it could be wise to crush them.

[Manitobant]

Don’t they need insects too? Californicus are semi claustral

[AntsCali098]

Don’t they need insects too? Californicus are semi claustral

I'm pretty sure seeds contain all they need for founding.

[ReignofRage]

Don’t they need insects too? Californicus are semi claustral

I am unaware of foundresses collecting anything other than seeds, which is supported by studies done on the species' founding biology. However, supplementing with proteins can give a nice boost. Though, I've found it to not be totally necessary for P. californicus.

Edited by ReignofRage, June 12 2023 - 9:21 AM.

[Tanks]

 

Don’t they need insects too? Californicus are semi claustral

I am unaware of foundresses collecting anything other than seeds, which is supported by studies done on the species' founding biology. However, supplementing with proteins can give a nice boost. Though, I've found it to not be totally necessary for P. californicus.

 

I looked in the general market place and I found a bag of seed mix for sale, the seller is dspdrew. Would the seed mix that they are selling work good for founding a P.cali queen? 

[ReignofRage]

I am unaware of what seeds he puts in the mix, but it would likely work just fine. You could inquire about it in a PM to him.

[Tanks]

ok

Edited by Tanks, June 12 2023 - 9:48 AM.

[Tanks]

So I put the queen in a test tube setup with seeds, no out world. Then I keep her at 85-100 degrees and let her do her thing, only checking on her two times a week to make sure she's alright, has seeds, and to clean up her trash. Does this sound like the right way to found P.californicus?

Edited by Tanks, June 12 2023 - 6:35 PM.

[AntsCali098]

Sure, seems good

[Tanks]

Sure, seems good

So I don't need to feed her insect protein right?

[Locness]

My P. californicus queen only needed dandelion seeds. I think they are a good seed in general due to how easy they are to open and consume for the queen. In fact, that's all I feed my colony most of the time and they are in the triple digits with workers right now. 

[Tanks]

Ok

[Tanks]

I am unaware of what seeds he puts in the mix, but it would likely work just fine. You could inquire about it in a PM to him.

They said the seeds would work. Also, thanks for all your guys help.

Edited by Tanks, June 14 2023 - 5:56 AM.

[Tanks]

 So I caught some Pogonomyrmex queens and I put them in a test tube setup with seeds. The queens don't seem interested in the seeds but they still haven't settled down so maybe the queens will eat them when they are settled in?  

[bmb1bee]

They’ll settle soon enough. You could also try cracking a couple of the seeds open to see if they’re interested in eating, after they’ve settled down at least.

[Tanks]

How do I crack the seeds open?

 

They’ll settle soon enough. You could also try cracking a couple of the seeds open to see if they’re interested in eating, after they’ve settled down at least.