14 replies to this topic

[AntsGodzilla]

These ants are truly giants! If you have never seen Ca-02 in person, I highly recommend that you do. When they arrived at my house last night with seven workers, nothing could have prepared my for the massive queen and her subjects. I gave them some fruit flies and humming bird nectar, and they seem to really love the overhangs and rough ground. I am truly happy that bought these girls.

 

 

 

(There are more workers than it looks, most of them are behind the queen)

Edited by AntsGodzilla, November 16 2024 - 2:51 PM.

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

Are you sure that nest is fine? It looks a little big.

[AntsGodzilla]

Are you sure that nest is fine? It looks a little big.

They take up around half the nest when they're not all hiding in one spot, and there are a few workers about to eclose.

[AntsGodzilla]

Here's a better pic of them.

 

[kiedeerk]

They should still be in a test tube set up. Its time for diapause and it’s much easier to diapause in a test tube set up with controlled temperature and humidity and constant source of water

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

I thought CA02 can be kept without hibernation?

[AntsGodzilla]

Yeah I was just going to keep them away from heat for the winter.

[kiedeerk]

They def go through a diapause period. In the region they are found the temperatures are already in the 40-50s at night and will drop further once winter comes. Even tropical Camponotus species go through a period of slow down and stopped egg production.

I would diapause them at 40-50F not just take off heat if your room is 70+. It will be best for their growth next year. Camponotus have internal clocks so even if you leave them on heat once eggs hatch and stopped developing then you know they are ready

Edited by kiedeerk, November 19 2024 - 8:37 AM.

[AntsGodzilla]

During the day, the temp inside of the formicarium is 60F.

[kiedeerk]

During the day, the temp inside of the formicarium is 60F.

It might be ok but I still think it’s too high for a proper diapause. Best temp is between 40-50 for a few months

[AntsGodzilla]

I understand you point but if you want to argue about diapause please keep it out of this thread.

[kiedeerk]

I understand you point but if you want to argue about diapause please keep it out of this thread.

We are just trying to help you succeed and not cause the demise of yet another one of your colonies. You already moved them into a nest too big for them when they should still be inside a test tube. Secondly it is crucial for Camponotus to have an adequate diapause or else they just fail the following year.

You put out your journal for all to see and discuss. Especially when we are giving you constructive criticism and way to help you succeed. You can implement those changes or not that’s up to you but we have many years of experience and that is also trying to simulate natural environmental conditions

Edited by kiedeerk, November 19 2024 - 3:20 PM.

[mbullock42086]

Most of CA-02's range is entirely between 2300-3400 feet or so, some portions of their range poke into the coniferous/broadleaf community and it definitely does snow up there, so they most certainly require diapause.

  they'll be fine in that formicarium, IMO just make sure to keep them at 40-45 f for a month or so and it'll be fine.

[AntsGodzilla]

The lowest I am able to go is 55F.

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

what i do is put my ants in a wine box then put them in my garage. then it drops to the needed temps.