5 replies to this topic

[invicta]

How long does it usually take for larvae to pupae generally in warm conditions?

[Runner12]

Depends almost entirely on the species

[invicta]

Solenopsis Invicta 

[Batspiderfish]

From University of Florida's Featured Creature:

"Within 24 hours of mating, the queen will have laid between 10 to 15 eggs, which will hatch in eight to 10 days. By the time the first group of eggs hatch, the queen will have laid from 75 to 125 more eggs. The larval stage typically lasts six to 12 days and the pupal stage for nine to 16 days. The newly-mated queen will stop laying eggs until the first batch of workers mature. This process takes from two weeks to one month."
 

http://entnemdept.uf...ed_fire_ant.htm

[drtrmiller]

Depends almost entirely on the species

 

Exactly!  The role heat plays is also species location specific, with ants found in northern latitudes generally being less reliant on temperature extremes compared to those found in the tropics.  Lasius niger, for example, will not benefit from the extremely warm temperatures that Solenopsis invicta finds optimal.

 

Development time also depends heavily on the caste of ant, with the smallest ants taking the least time, and the largest ants taking the most time (minim worker, super major, reproductive).  A minim worker nanitic of S. invicta can go from egg to adult in as little as 14 days at the optimal temperature, whereas a reproductive may take 30-40 days.

Edited by drtrmiller, June 7 2016 - 8:44 PM.

[NightsWebs]

Excellent description and the take away is research your species and ask other keepers of the same species what they are doing to have successful colonies. thanks Terry!