7 replies to this topic

[AperturePrime]

I just started keeping ants this year so any comments or suggestions would be appreciated

 

 

Tetramorium immigrans

 

I have a total of 8 colonies. The most prolific of them has approximately 50 workers.

 

 

 

Formica sp.

 

8 queens collected between August 1^st and September 14^th. None of them have laid yet. 

 

 

 

 

Lasius sp.

 

5 colonies, some with only eggs, some with larva. I will be hibernating them in the fridge in two or three weeks. Let me know if I should be doing something different.

 

 

[AntkeeperfromEstonia]

Nice photos

[100lols]

I agree! Your photos are amazing. What camera are you using?

[AperturePrime]

I agree! Your photos are amazing. What camera are you using?

 

Canon 60d with a 100mm macro (and extension tubes for over 1:1) and a flash with home built flash diffuser. The brand doesn't matter you can get the same results with any dedicated macro lens and flash.

 

[100lols]

I really need a dedicated macro lens. Thank you for sharing! Especially the picture of the home made diffuser :zoomeyes:

[AperturePrime]

I took the Formica and Lasius out of diapause about four weeks ago and fed them yesterday, all but one of them now have at least eggs. I did lose three of my Tetramorium queens over the winter one was just curled up, one is dismembered, and one I couldn't even find in the test tube.

 

 

 

[ANTdrew]

Why did you wait so long to feed the ants? Tetramorium should definitely already have workers by now if they were found last season. 

[AperturePrime]

The Tetramorium Immigrans I have been feeding all winter, they just haven't been very active. I keep my place a bit cooler during the winter. The Formica didn't even lay eggs until they were brought out of diapause, and the Lasius didn't pupate until they were brought out.