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[rptraut]

Update 02JN25

 

Crematogaster 3 Colony Moved In

 

After being connected to their new Ant Form for two weeks this colony has completed the move and settled into their new housing.   The bottom view under the floating stone is a unique feature of this setup.

 

 

 

 

Please enjoy this tour of the ant shelf in my workshop where I keep many of my  Camponotus, Myrmica, Crematogaster, and Lasius colonies.   

 

 

I welcome your comments

RPT

Edited by rptraut, June 2 2025 - 1:13 AM.

[rptraut]

Update 19AU25

 

I have to apologize for my failure to update this journal in a while.    Following a freak accident while getting off the couch (no kidding), a recurring back problem that I've had all my life, became a constant pain in my lower back with shooting pain down both legs and the occasional muscle spasm, just to add a little variety.    I have osteoarthritis in my lower spine.  For many weeks I could barely walk, and I found it impossible to lift heavy objects, so I had to give up beekeeping.   The garden was neglected somewhat, but I still managed to look after my ant colonies.   I'll file a detailed report on their progress in a few days.    After many visits to an osteopath, my back is on the mend.   I can walk again, pain free, so onward and upward.  

 

 

Leafhopper/Ant Symbiosis

 

Leafhopper nymphs and adults produce honeydew, much like the aphids and scale insects that I've discussed in previous posts.   The following video shows how a Camponotus  colony tends leafhoppers on a sunflower plant growing on our deck.   

 

 

 

 

Leafhopper nymphs

 

 

 

Leafhopper adults

 

 

Your comments are welcome.

RPT

 

 

 

[ANTdrew]

Welcome back, Robert! Your contributions have been missed.

[rptraut]

Update 19SE25

 

My Back is Back

 

Imagine my relief when my disc and vertebrae finally slipped back into their proper positions and the pain in my legs and back were instantly gone.   Thanks to some osteopathic adjustments, some yoga, and a little bit of luck, I'm feeling fit and hope to be posting more in this journal.   Stay tuned for more detailed videos about the colonies you see previewed in the following video.

 

 

Enjoy your time...

RPT

[ANTdrew]

Praise God! You’ve been missed, my friend.

[rptraut]

Update 20SE25

 

RPT's Tetramorium Colonies

 

As promised, this is the first in a series of videos that will describe, in detail, how I house and tend to my ant colonies.   This video focuses on my three Tetramorium colonies.   I hope you find it interesting and informative.    

 

 

 

I welcome your comments.

RPT

 

 

[rptraut]

Update 26SE25

 

RPT's Tapinoma sessile Colonies

 

 

This video describes the Tapinoma sessile colonies that I keep and the progress and changes that have occurred this season.   If there's a way I can make these videos better, please let me know, otherwise hit the "like" button please, I need positive reinforcement.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for watching, I welcome your comments.

RPT

 

 

[rptraut]

Update 27SE25

 

My Crematogaster Experience .....so far

 

In this video you'll see how my Crematogaster colonies have progressed (or struggled) this season.   If anyone has an idea as to what's going on with these colonies, I'll be glad to hear your suggestions.   

 

 

 

 

Thanks for watching.

RPT

 

 

[rptraut]

Update 04OC25

RPT's Camponotus Colonies

In this video I explain the history and progress of my current Camponotus colonies. I found most of these queens in 2020....what do you think of them?




Thanks for watching.
RPT

Edited by rptraut, October 4 2025 - 4:58 AM.

[rptraut]

Update 07OC25

 

RPT's Lasius Colonies

 

In this video you'll see the Lasius colonies that I've kept this season.    I'll be happy to receive any clarification of the identification of these ants.  I believe they're all Lasius, but I'm never too sure.   

 

 

 

Thanks for watching.

RPT

 

 

 

[ANTdrew]

Update 27SE25

My Crematogaster Experience .....so far

In this video you'll see how my Crematogaster colonies have progressed (or struggled) this season. If anyone has an idea as to what's going on with these colonies, I'll be glad to hear your suggestions.





Thanks for watching.
RPT

I really hope these new queens do well for you!