10 replies to this topic

[Connectimyrmex]

Hi! I've just caught an amazing find. I thought I found Solenopsis, but upon further examination, I realized it was a Pheidole alate! This was a record for me, because I've never seen a pre-founding Pheidole queen ever. It was wandering with two wings, not four as usual. Upon capture it shed its remaining wings.

 

Does anyone know any tips on rearing this interesting species? Also, would it be safe to add a well-fed pheidole major to the test tube to act as a food source/ water reservoir? 

 

Thanks!

[dermy]

I do not think the major idea is a good idea though. Don't add any other ants or you risk the queen getting injured or dying. Just have good old patience, I'm unsure if these are the Semi-Claustral species but if they are she might benifit from an insect leg and some sugary solution. But I'd get someone else who knows more about to give you pointers.

[Alabama Anter]

I do not think the major idea is a good idea though. Don't add any other ants or you risk the queen getting injured or dying. Just have good old patience, I'm unsure if these are the Semi-Claustral species but if they are she might benifit from an insect leg and some sugary solution. But I'd get someone else who knows more about to give you pointers.

Pheidole megacaephala are polygynous and will accept new queens. They also have RAPID growth and are an invasive species worldwide. They are fully claustral but will like some sugar.

[benjiwuf]

http://www.antwiki.o...ole_megacephala  I'm curious where you read that they accept new queens. All I can remember reading about them states that they can form super colonies (ie. do not fight other Pheidole megacephala colonies). They tend to bud off and mate within the nests mostly. There are some flights, but not as many as other ants. I don't believe I've ever read that they accept new queens, just that they can have multiple queens.

Edited by benjiwuf, January 8 2017 - 7:37 AM.

[Alabama Anter]

http://www.antwiki.o...ole_megacephala I'm curious where you read that they accept new queens. All I can remember reading about them states that they can form super colonies (ie. do not fight other Pheidole megacephala colonies). They tend to bud off and mate within the nests mostly. There are some flights, but not as many as other ants. I don't believe I've ever read that they accept new queens, just that they can have multiple queens.

They inbreed and yes they can form supercolinies if I'm not mistaken. And during their found stage they will accept new queens.

[Connectimyrmex]

Thanks for all the input, guys! I won't add a major, I'll only add some sugar and maybe some protein rich cricket gel (cricket food).

[antgenius123]

Honestly I would do something like this: http://imgur.com/a/0K5I6

These ants are small so it's important if you put them in a setup like this when they get to a certain number of workers since they can squeeze through small spaces.You make an escape-proof barrier from fluon or vaseline etc. But I think there's enough info up there ^

Edited by antgenius123, January 8 2017 - 9:34 AM.

[Connectimyrmex]

I'll do that when the first workers come, thanks!

[Connectimyrmex]

Also, do you think she's mated? Her gaster is quite small compared to some other mated queens.

[benjiwuf]

you can't tell by gaster size. the only sure way is to catch her with a male still attached. Otherwise it's a waiting game.

[Connectimyrmex]

Oh dang it. I found her walking on a tennis court during mid-day, with only half of her wings, so I assume that the nuptial flight was before then?