18 replies to this topic

[michiganantsinmyyard]

Update 1:

 

This is a Crematogaster sp. I've had for a couple months now. I hibernated her, then took her out at the same time as the Myrmica queen I also have a journal on. I thought she was infertile, as she didn't lay eggs for two whole months, but about 15 days ago she randomly decided to lay a massive clutch of eggs. She's doing really well now, and workers can't be that far off. 

 

This picture was taken on 12/22/2023.

 

 

These pictures were taken on 12/26/2023.

 

[AsdinAnts]

you’re so lucky! I really want any type of crematogaster queen/colony. I am getting an apheanogaster queen with a couple of workers soon though, anyways good luck with the queen!

[ANTdrew]

Awesome! You can read my long running journal for info on keeping these.

[michiganantsinmyyard]

Is growth this rapid normal? I was checking my Myrmica and noticed that she has tripled the amount of large larva you see in the pictures. I am heating them at a constant temperature of 80 Fahrenheit so maybe that’s why.

[ANTdrew]

Crematogaster are some of the fastest growing ants around. This seems totally normal to me. Prepare yourself!

[michiganantsinmyyard]

I also have a lasius queen with late stage larva and pupae. Should I keep this journal as only a crematogaster one or add the lasius to make it a general journal?

[michiganantsinmyyard]

Update 2: 

 

The pupae finally eclosed, and the first generation of nanitics came about 2-3 days before I took the photo you see below. After just one feeding, the egg pile has grown immensely, and about 4-5 more pupae are about to eclose. The current worker count is 6-7. Photo quality is worse because the workers are far too quick, and are often darting for the test tube exit the moment I open it for pictures.

 

 

Picture taken on 1/10/2024

 

 

[ANTdrew]

Reminds me of the good ol’ days with my colonies!

[michiganantsinmyyard]

Mini Update: 

Colony size increased to approximately 14 workers. I recorded a video of them enjoying honey and a mealworm pupae.

 

[Rrar]

Nice video! I suppose you created a YouTube channel.

[michiganantsinmyyard]

Nice video! I suppose you created a YouTube channel.

Yes, but only for purposes of remembering/archiving progress. I'm not gonna be another antscanada/lightscameraants clone.

[michiganantsinmyyard]

Not posting pictures this time, worker count hasn't increased but the brood pile is immense. They've completely rejected all forms of humidity. They nest in a tube filled with wood shavings, and drink from the original test tube from time to time. Looking forward to making a proper wooden nest for them.

[ColAnt735]

Not posting pictures this time, worker count hasn't increased but the brood pile is immense. They've completely rejected all forms of humidity. They nest in a tube filled with wood shavings, and drink from the original test tube from time to time. Looking forward to making a proper wooden nest for them.

The colony is really about to explode, make sure you make that nest out of hardwood. Crematogaster will chew through softwood.

[BleepingBleepers]

I dunno much about the species hearing how fast they can grow, this is why I chose ants that grow a bit slower, but my ants are bigger and they take up more space so I gotta watch out.

 

Anyhow, good luck with your ants, very excited for you and wish you luck and success!

[michiganantsinmyyard]

Update:

Haven't updated in a bit. Its all smooth sailing, brood and larva are developing fast, about 25 workers or so, generally things aren't too different. Consider this the last post I make unless the colony is dead, or in a new wooden setup.

 

Should I add my Neoniger colony to this journal? If I do, I will change the title to be a more general journal.

 

Picture taken 2/10/2024.

[michiganantsinmyyard]

Consider this a status check, rather than a true update but the colony is doing great. Must be up to around 40-50 workers, and a massive brood pile. The nest is finished, albeit slightly cracked. It’s just a waiting game now.

[ANTdrew]

Start planning your containment strategy now!

[The_Gaming-gate]

Start planning your containment strategy now!

Hope Crematogaster's nothing like my S invicta, or those workers will be digging escape holes through the cotton, or setting up elaborate tricks where they disappear into chambers deep in the cottonballs, and jump out once you open the test tube.

[michiganantsinmyyard]

In my experience they don’t do much with cotton, but they are scarily strategic when it comes to escaping. If they know where you put food in, they will sit there and wait for you to put food before running out for an escape.

Start planning your containment strategy now!

Hope Crematogaster's nothing like my S invicta, or those workers will be digging escape holes through the cotton, or setting up elaborate tricks where they disappear into chambers deep in the cottonballs, and jump out once you open the test tube.