2124 replies to this topic

[ConcordAntman]

I’d like your thoughts on this

 

 

 

I noticed my C. americanus bringing their eggs and larvae up to the nestmate on the upper gallery in spite of the two water towers being 55% filled (as per THA recommendations). What do you think? Recommendations gladly accepted!

 

[noebl1]

Likely humidity there for the eggs is better than the water tower for whatever reason.  All about temperature and humidity I've personally seen and read from others it's not unusual for ants to move brood between nestmates and the water tower.

 

 

I’d like your thoughts on this

 

 

I noticed my C. americanus bringing their eggs and larvae up to the nestmate on the upper gallery in spite of the two water towers being 55% filled (as per THA recommendations). What do you think? Recommendations gladly accepted!

[akaant]

I have the larger nucleus 3 that I over flow every week. They keep most of the brood in the middle of the bottom chamber or on the water tank. If brood are on the tank ill slowly over flow it. Only issue is the "sweating effect".

[ConcordAntman]

Thanks guys. 🤔Maybe I’ll try adding water to the water towers. 

Edited by ConcordAntman, July 22 2020 - 4:35 PM.

[ConcordAntman]

Today was colony a tending day. I brought the water towers in my C. americanus’ formicarium up to 75% capacity though there’s no change in the evaporative surface area we’ll see if it makes them any happier

On another note, my first C. pennsylvanicus nanitic   

 

[ConcordAntman]

Today was a feeding and housekeeping day for my charges and I had some surprises. My C. novaeboracensis and C. pennsylvanicus queens each have three nanitics though one of the C. novaeboracensis’ has died. Both seem to be foraging now that I’ve set up their feeding chambers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve had problems with honey in the past. Even when diluted, I’ve lost workers because they’ve gotten trapped in it. I seem to be having some luck using apple slices for sugar and moisture along with sliced crickets for the protein. I’ll alternate with mealworms and Dubia roaches (once I get my next shipment). 

[noebl1]

Just a reminder some of the biggest flights of the year coming up... End of the anting season often has several species flying in a single day. Ponera, Lasius, Myrmica, Myrmecina, Crematogaster, Brachymyrmex, Solenopsis... and I'm forgetting some

[Scherme]

Just a reminder some of the biggest flights of the year coming up... End of the anting season often has several species flying in a single day. Ponera, Lasius, Myrmica, Myrmecina, Crematogaster, Brachymyrmex, Solenopsis... and I'm forgetting some

LETS GOOOO!

 

I have been seeing way more Lasius activity around the yard. The entrance mounds are higher and wider and much more foraging goin on. 
 

[RushmoreAnts]

Just a reminder some of the biggest flights of the year coming up... End of the anting season often has several species flying in a single day. Ponera, Lasius, Myrmica, Myrmecina, Crematogaster, Brachymyrmex, Solenopsis... and I'm forgetting some

LETS GOOOO!
 
I have been seeing way more Lasius activity around the yard. The entrance mounds are higher and wider and much more foraging goin on.

That is customary for colonies preparing for nuptial flights.

[ANTdrew]

I’m primed and ready for Crematogaster flights!

[ConcordAntman]

Jeez, I’m humbled by you guys! It’s hard enough for me to manage the 4 colonies I’ve got. You’ve got a lot more than me and your still hunting these little critters! Way to go!

[ANTdrew]

 It's all about the bizznizz. I've made over $700 selling colonies in 2020. Plus, just finding queens is a thrill.

[Nathant2131]

Myrmica and possibly others are flying for me right now!

[noebl1]

Lasius and Aphaenogaster too

[noebl1]

Found 10 Aphaenogaster queens, I believe mostly if not all A. fulva or similiar.  Handful of Lasius queens as well.

[SabbyMae]

A few days ago I caught a Lasius latipes queen. Yesterday I snagged half a dozen Lasius neoniger workers from my back yard and I put both tubes in the refrigerator for 2 hours before connecting the tubes. One worker latched onto the queens antenna but only for a few seconds. Over night it seems all of the worker ants have moved into the tube with the queen and they are living peacefully. I have not seen the workers feed the queen. I would like your opinions. Is this progress?

[RushmoreAnts]

A few days ago I caught a Lasius latipes queen. Yesterday I snagged half a dozen Lasius neoniger workers from my back yard and I put both tubes in the refrigerator for 2 hours before connecting the tubes. One worker latched onto the queens antenna but only for a few seconds. Over night it seems all of the worker ants have moved into the tube with the queen and they are living peacefully. I have not seen the workers feed the queen. I would like your opinions. Is this progress?

Apparently Lasius parasites in the subgenus Acanthomyops (in which latipes is classified) are very hard to raise. Good luck with this!

[SabbyMae]

 

A few days ago I caught a Lasius latipes queen. Yesterday I snagged half a dozen Lasius neoniger workers from my back yard and I put both tubes in the refrigerator for 2 hours before connecting the tubes. One worker latched onto the queens antenna but only for a few seconds. Over night it seems all of the worker ants have moved into the tube with the queen and they are living peacefully. I have not seen the workers feed the queen. I would like your opinions. Is this progress?

Apparently Lasius parasites in the subgenus Acanthomyops (in which latipes is classified) are very hard to raise. Good luck with this!

 

Yay funnnn.. Thanks!

[noebl1]

Lasius and Crematogaster are flying

[ConcordAntman]

 It's all about the bizznizz. I've made over $700 selling colonies in 2020. Plus, just finding queens is a thrill.

Wait, what! You get to walk in the woods, enjoy nature, catch queens, AND make money! Way to go man! Retirement gives me the time to hang loose and enjoy 'em. I'm thinkin' we both got it pretty good...

Edited by ConcordAntman, August 23 2020 - 11:10 AM.