6 replies to this topic

[KaptainKibs]

So I have a small solenopsis invicta colony and I went outside and found a solenopsis invicta pupae (I am 100% sure its an invicta) I put it in with the colony I have and the workers are tending to it and taking care of it. My concern is when the pupae takes final form will it attack my colony or not? I don't see why it would. 

[KaptainKibs]

also, it is a worker so its bigger than the rest

[drtrmiller]

A newly eclosed adult will not show any aggression to adults of the same species, even if the callow worker originated from a different colony.

Also note, pupae is the plural of pupa. When referring to a single individual, we say a pupa, not a pupae.

Have I answered your question?

Edited by drtrmiller, October 23 2016 - 11:41 AM.

[KaptainKibs]

A newly eclosed adult will not show any aggression to adults of the same species, even if the callow worker originated from a different colony.

Also note, pupae is the plural of pupa. When referring to a single individual, we say a pupa, not a pupae.

Have I answered your question?

Okay thanks, even if the pupa is about twice the size of the ant adults I have in there now it will still be friendly?

[drtrmiller]

Yes, if it is the same species, as you think it is. S. invicta is polymorphic, which means the workers come in a range of sizes.

The bigger ones play a more active role in foraging and defending the colony, while the smaller ones are better at nursing brood and tending to nest maintenance, but there is no true specialization, in contrast to a genus such as Atta.

Edited by drtrmiller, October 23 2016 - 11:56 AM.

[Antsinmycloset]

That is a really neat photo.

[KaptainKibs]

Yes, if it is the same species, as you think it is. S. invicta is polymorphic, which means the workers come in a range of sizes.

The bigger ones play a more active role in foraging and defending the colony, while the smaller ones are better at nursing brood and tending to nest maintenance, but there is no true specialization, in contrast to a genus such as Atta.

Thank you! This new big worker should help a bit then