21 replies to this topic

[NZAntKeeper]

Is the biggest "worker" a queen?
Location found - New Zealand north island inside a half rotten log.
Length - 4-5 mm
When - today 7/1/17.
Pics

Edited by DylanTheAntKeeper, January 6 2017 - 9:01 PM.

[Connectimyrmex]

Yep. I think that those ants are hypoponera. Let's wait till BatSpiderFish gets here for an ID though.

I wish you good luck with keeping them!

[NZAntKeeper]

Thanks! Do you think the bigger one is a queen or like a media worker or something?

[Connectimyrmex]

It's a queen. Maybe better pics would ensure that, though. If the thorax looks large, you've got a gyne on your hands.

[NZAntKeeper]

Sweeet! I could go out and get some more workers for her should I? Also what's a gyne lol.

Edited by DylanTheAntKeeper, January 6 2017 - 9:42 PM.

[Batspiderfish]

The measurements are large for Hypoponera, but I'm inclined to agree.

[NZAntKeeper]

Ok so do you think it's a queen too? The measurements may be incorrect.

Edited by DylanTheAntKeeper, January 6 2017 - 10:20 PM.

[Lemon07]

Does she have wing scars ? 

[Canadian anter]

Ill say Hypoponera

[NZAntKeeper]

I can't really notice wing scars that well as she is quite small, although I think I did see wing scars I'm not sure.

[NZAntKeeper]

I checked on them today and I can't see any eggs but I'm still hoping she's a queen. I went out and captured 5 more workers from the same colony ( I couldent find any brood) and put them together.

[NZAntKeeper]

I've also looked on this forum on posts from others who have had them and they said they are difficult to raise and might need substrate in the test tube. Should I put substrate in? And does anyone have any tips on raising them?

[Connectimyrmex]

Hypoponera need substrate.

 

Also, for some small ants I've noticed that they don't put their brood down but the just carry them. At least that's what I've noticed with plagiolepis. After a bit, check the workers' mouths for eggs.

[NZAntKeeper]

Ok thanks so should I just put a bit of dirt mixed with sand in? Does it have to be wet?

[Connectimyrmex]

Yes. 

[NZAntKeeper]

Ok thanks

[benjiwuf]

I would highly suggest against putting in wet dirt and/or sand. Sterilise it also prior to addition or you will be risking mite infections or other problems with mold etc.

Edit: If you feel like it is truly necessary based on research provided, then add a small layer to the bottom of the test tube. Try to avoid contact with the cotton as it may leech out the water and flood the test tube.

Edited by benjiwuf, January 8 2017 - 10:54 AM.

[NZAntKeeper]

Ok thanks although I doubt I will put substrate in as I'm probobolly not allowed to boil and bake the dirt to sterilize it.

[Annexis]

instead of sand or dirt you can always use some substrate at the petstore, those are always sterile 

[NZAntKeeper]

I have some very fine sand I brought at a pet shop. Will that work? Or would it be to fine.