8 replies to this topic

[WiteBeam]

My CA-02 colony appears to have stalled. However, there is a nice pile of eggs. I’m surprised that there isn’t any larger larva after they’ve done so well up to this point at consistent growth. Does this look like I didn’t feed them enough a few weeks ago?

[ANTdrew]

Has the temperature changed, and what are you feeding them? Camponotus frequently take breaks in egg laying.

[WiteBeam]

The temps have been pretty consistent in the house in the mid 70s. I’ve been putting cut up meal worms, small bits of chicken and shrimp in the outworld. Are they picky eaters? Because the ants live off of sugars, do they only need minimal protein to feed the queen and larva?

[ANTdrew]

Mid 70’s is too cool for most ants to grow much. I haven’t kept this species, but I bet a bit more heat will get them growing.

[WiteBeam]

Ok, thank you! I’ll get a heat source and get them up into the 80s.

[Ants_Dakota]

You can also read my post here, which outlines some other possible issues.

[WiteBeam]

Thanks for the advice! I got the temps up to about 84f and they are acting like they’ve come out of hibernation, insanely vigorous. They are currently going wild over a piece of cricket.

[RushmoreAnts]

Warm temperatures are especially important in warmer climates like you're from, as such species/populations don't have measures to deal with cooler temperatures like northern species do.

[Ljimmy009]

My CA-02 colony appears to have stalled. However, there is a nice pile of eggs. I’m surprised that there isn’t any larger larva after they’ve done so well up to this point at consistent growth. Does this look like I didn’t feed them enough a few weeks ago?

IMG_0304.jpeg

My CA-02 is also doing the same, except it was caught in the deserty regions, specifically Riverside. If the temperature drops too much for Camponotus, they'll go into a small dispause stage where they stop eating and moving. I suggest to give them some heat. Heating cables would do