43 replies to this topic

[JesseTheAntKid]

This is the start of my solenopsis xyloni journal. Caught the new queen on 12/17/23.

[JesseTheAntKid]

Update 1: She's really active for a queen. I'm just not sure why she hasn't settled in yet. There is one very important thing I need to go over, however, before the rest of this journey. What should I name this queen?

[JesseTheAntKid]

I know what to name her. I will name her Queen Seraphina.

[AsdinAnts]

hey, what part of the world do you live in? Because solenopsis xyloni usually fly through may to september.
she may be a late flyer but idk, also any pictures of her?

[JesseTheAntKid]

idk, it's just she's not elongate like invicta and she doesn't have a square head. I found her under a brick. I'm also thinking she's xyloni cuz there's a nearby xyloni colony.

Any other very similar looking ant species that fly around this time?

[AsdinAnts]

I’m not sure, there are little to none ant species that fly around december in SoCal. Can you maybe post a picture of her? I’ve had a solenopsis xyloni queen before so ik what they look like up close. (what part of the northern hemisphere do you live in?)

Edited by AsdinAnts, December 18 2023 - 8:12 PM.

[100lols]

You'd need a good picture of the clypeal tooth. Solenopsis xyloni lacks the middle tooth that Solenopsis invicta has.

The xyloni near me aren't flying anymore and I live in San Diego.

[JesseTheAntKid]

Idk how to put pictures
i do have a picture of her tho
how do put a picture on phone?

Edited by JesseTheAntKid, December 19 2023 - 8:00 AM.

[JesseTheAntKid]

I’m not sure, there are little to none ant species that fly around december in SoCal. Can you maybe post a picture of her? I’ve had a solenopsis xyloni queen before so ik what they look like up close. (what part of the northern hemisphere do you live in?)

I live around Houston.

Edited by JesseTheAntKid, December 19 2023 - 8:01 AM.

[AsdinAnts]

To put pictures on your phone you need to press full version, its located at the bottom of your screen when your editing your journal. Once you have done this, it will say “choose file” so you tap it, then tap whatever you use to add your photos, (i use photo library) then press attach file once formiculture has finished loading it.

Attached Images

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Edited by AsdinAnts, December 19 2023 - 9:43 AM.

[JesseTheAntKid]

oh OK!

[AsdinAnts]

ye

[JesseTheAntKid]

I got a good look at the clypeal tooth and indeed these are Solenopsis xyloni. The fact that the other queens have not done the killy on each other confirms they are Sol xyl as well. Oh, and context, i combined Seraphina with two other queens and they are getting along very well. Not one sign of aggression. 

[ZATrippit]

Are you sure you wanna risk it with polygyny?

[ANTdrew]

Species names are not to be abbreviated. Write S. xyloni if you must abbreviate.

[JesseTheAntKid]

Are you sure you wanna risk it with polygyny?

Yes. If they start to become aggressive, I will separate them.

 

Species names are not to be abbreviated. Write S. xyloni if you must abbreviate.

Oh, ok. S. xyloni.

[100lols]

Keep an eye of them. I’ve never had luck with multiple S. xyloni queens!

[JesseTheAntKid]

Update: They are getting along really well. No signs of aggression. As for the egg pile, it is MASSIVE. There are even several giant egg piles. If they do end up showing aggression after the workers come, I will separate all three and let two start over and let one have the massive brood pile. Over all, this has been a huge success so far.

[JesseTheAntKid]

Update: At this point, as soon as they get workers, imma have to give them their first meal. No way they can nourish that giant egg pile completely on their own.

[JesseTheAntKid]

Update: Your favorite queens are doing fine. They have two or three big larvae.