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Ender Ants Myrmecocystus mimicus Journal

honeypot myrmecocystus myrmecocystus mimicus honeypot ants

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#1 Offline Ender Ants - Posted November 11 2024 - 3:58 PM

Ender Ants

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July 19, 2024: Worrisome Start [Single Queen 1]

Received my first two colonies from AntopiaUSA, arriving in an insulated box with a cold pack. Unfortunately a leak happened with one colony, but thankfully the queen was alright. Heard they have a high mortality rate so I'm being extra cautious with this species.

 

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July 20, 2024: Safe and Sound [Single Queen 1]

A day later after drying the excess water with the q-tip, she was able to gather her brood underneath a pile of brownish cotton or dirt. Not sure where all this came from exactly. Also caught the queen laying an egg. 

 

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Active little larva
 
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July 20, 2024: A Promising Start [Dual Colony - 4w]

The second was a dual queen colony already with 4 nanitics. Lots of brood and activity, also with the brownish material in their tube. No leakage either which was great to see. 

 

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July 22, 2024: First Meal [Dual Colony]

2 days after settling in the dark, I gave the dual colony their first meal. I also bought some bloodworms and wanted to see if they would consume it raw. 
 

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If not, maybe these leaf hoppers will do the trick.
 

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Yeah, we need to try drenching it in water next time.
 
 

July 28, 2024: Nanitics are here [Single Queen 1 - 4w]

A little over a week has passed for the single queen colony, and I checked on her for the first time to 4 nanitics. Nice.

 

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August 19, 2024: Outworld Unlocked [Dual Colony - 8w]

Test tube is drying up and will be going away for a few weeks so you know what that means. At 8 workers and still another batch of cocoons on the way, I'm expecting them to double in population once I'm back. Here is a video of their progress thus far.
 

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September 6, 2024: Repletes Unlocked [Single Queen 1 - 11w]


Came back and saw the colony has grown to 11 workers and two repletes. Seems like I gave them too much honey before I left, dang. I originally planned to move them into a Mini Hearth but didn't want to force a move so the queen wouldn't stress and potentially die. Until they migrate to one of the smaller test tubes, they'll be in here. 
 
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September 6, 2024: Losing The Race [Dual Colony - 8w]

Moved the dual colony before I left too. Interestingly no new workers hatched so now they've been overtaken by the single queen. Also one of the test tubes leaked, so they decorated their floor a bit. 
 

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October 14, 2024: First Death [Single Queen 1 - 15w]

Now with 15 workers in the colony, they have finally decided to migrate to a new test tube. The first replete has also perished, with two more about to take her place. Around 20-30 workers I might move them into a Mini Hearth XL or something. I want to start seeing those orbs!
 

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October 14, 2024: Double Digits [Dual Colony - 17w]


Looks I spoke too soon, this colony is back in the lead with the number of workers. A couple small repletes, but they're still mobile.
 
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Thoughts:

Keeping these ants have been a real treat. Was not expecting them to grow quick and be as active as they are. I'd love for them to be in a desert themed ant tank. Might try with another colony once they get large enough since I already have 3 queens. Also I don't think I heated them enough this summer, so I will definitely do so once winter's over.

 

Edited by Ender Ants, November 11 2024 - 4:02 PM.

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#2 Offline AntsGodzilla - Posted Today, 3:29 PM

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Always happy to see another myrmecocystus journal!


 

And many Carnivorous plants such as: Dionea muscipula (fly trap), Sarracenia x 'Fiona' ( American Pitcher plant), Nepenthese ventrata (Tropical Pitcher plant), and Pinguicula agnata x emarginata (Butterwort) (show off your plants here)

Godzilla thread

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores it's provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. Proverbs 6: 6-8

 

Myrmecocystus depilis

Multiple ant colonies coming soon...






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