56 replies to this topic

[Californian Anter]

Scavenger.

 

While there may be altercations between a founding queen and other live insects and animals in the wild, the result isn't always in favor of the queen.

Unless you're a Myrmecia Brevinoda queen 

[CrazyLegs]

Yes, Myrmecia brevinoda are real monsters, but still not invulnerable. They remind me of a dinosaur when I'm viewing an individual up close.

 

Here is a quick pic of Ereshkigal, as I mentioned she was taking rocks from the outworld into her tube.

I didn't disturb her for a while so she could do her thing in peace.

I was curious as to how she was going and can see that she has laid out a little bed of wet rocks for her brood.

This will obviously stop them from rolling around. She's so clever.

They are also well camouflaged. Hard to see but I can tell you there's about 5 or 6 scattered around there with a few millimeters between them.

It looks very wet in there but I guess she knows better than me.

I could watch these girls all day but I need to make money dammit.

Have a good day everyone.

Edited by CrazyLegs, February 1 2017 - 12:52 PM.

[CrazyLegs]

Sorry to say this girl has passed on today.   

It was a hot day, but not extreme, not sure exactly what has killed her. She still has seven eggs in the tube.

Sorry about that guys. I was looking forward to this colony as much as you.

Ah well, back to the search.

[Alabama Anter]

Sorry to say this girl has passed on today. 

It was a hot day, but not extreme, not sure exactly what has killed her. She still has seven eggs in the tube.

 

Sorry about that guys. I was looking forward to this colony as much as you.

Ah well, back to the search.

Omg.... so sorry Crazy Legs.... It happens in the hobby ;( Good luck.

[sgheaton]

Well......
I was excited reading about this. Then I yelled out, "Oh no!" when I saw the dead picture. Sorry guy. 

[Martialis]

I wonder if the workers will eat the M. chrysogaster eggs if you gave them to the larger colony.

 

Probably would.

Edited by Martialis, February 6 2017 - 6:57 AM.

[T.C.]

Unfortunate. I was really looking forward to see a successful colony from these guys. Well, Australia has got a lot of cool species. Get looking and find something else to put in it's place.

[antgenius123]

Oh well, it happens just have to keep going and find some more.

Edited by antgenius123, February 6 2017 - 10:07 AM.

[CrazyLegs]

Thanks guys. It always seems to be the prettiest ones that are the most sensitive. Bull ant season has just started so I'll see what comes my way.

Until then I still have my trusty Camponotus aeneopilosis.

She hasn't missed a beat, as Camponotus hardly ever do.

Edited by CrazyLegs, February 6 2017 - 12:03 PM.

[Canadian anter]

put the queen on a wet paper towel

[Bcam43]

Damn, that sucks. Myrmecia are one of the hardest species to raise from a single queen in my opinion. We regularly have problems with larvae pupating, especially our M.fulvipes colony. Lucky for you bullant season is just beginning so finding another queen shouldn't be too hard. Good luck!!

[CrazyLegs]

Thanks guys, she's not the first queen I've ever lost and certainly won't be the last.

I had never attempted to found a Myrmecia chrysogaster queen before. In fact I was stunned to even find one of these elusive ants which normally would see you coming and dash into hiding long before you noticed them.

 

put the queen on a wet paper towel

Do you mean I should have some paper towel inside all my test tubes?

[Leo]

no, there is a chance it will "revive" the queen, strange but true

[T.C.]

Thanks guys, she's not the first queen I've ever lost and certainly won't be the last.

I had never attempted to found a Myrmecia chrysogaster queen before. In fact I was stunned to even find one of these elusive ants which normally would see you coming and dash into hiding long before you noticed them.

 

put the queen on a wet paper towel

Do you mean I should have some paper towel inside all my test tubes?

No, apparently after queens look dead, you can sometimes bring them "back to life" by putting them on a damp towel. I have never had no luck with it, but  am sure it's worked before.

[CrazyLegs]

I gave it a try. No luck. I'm sure I will cross paths with something interesting sooner or later.

[Ozz]

Was really enjoying this, until.. currently have a myrmecia pilosus myself with a few eggs. I was pretty confident till I saw this. Bad luck

Edited by Ozz, April 16 2017 - 7:25 AM.

[CrazyLegs]

Chrysogaster are quite sensitive. I probably shouldn't have been taking so many pics of her but I had never seen a chrysogaster queen before let alone caught one. I was too excited.