25 replies to this topic

[dspdrew]

Scientific Name: Aphaenogaster picea
 
Common Name: Unknown
 
Distribution: Northeastern, and some Southeastern United states.

Queen size: 7-8mm
 
Worker size: 4-6mm
 
Natural Habitat: Found in dead/moist wood in mountainous or rocky habitats of higher elevations.

Circadian Activity: Mostly diurnal, but will forage at night.

Mating Flight: Their major flight is in August after a light rain, and have been known to fly before and after August.

Queen Founding Method: Fully Claustral.

Monogyne or Polygyne: Monogyne

Average time from egg to worker: Egg to larva - 10-15 days; larva to pupa (no cocoon) - 15-20 days; Pupa to worker – 15-20 days. Time may vary with temperature. (Note: can be very slow to start)

Recommended Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)

Recommended Humidity: Mid humidity level of 30-50%.

Preferred Foods: Mainly insects such as termites, fruit flies, crickets, meal worms, and wax worms. This species regularly refuses liquids by covering up any sources. Very little to no activity with feeders.

Hibernation Details: In the wild temperatures below freezing are common, even up to -40C/F. In captivity it is advised to stay above the freezing point as we are unable to easily duplicate the slow cool down into freezing temps to allow the anti-freeze in their blood to work properly. Hibernation is recommended between 39F (4C) - 50F (10C).

Escape Barrier Methods: Extra virgin olive oil works for me.

Difficulty rating: Easy to keep, can be difficult to start.

Bite and/or Sting rating: None

Special Care or Interesting Notes: This species prefers a constantly hydrated nest with dry spots. This species also lacks a social stomach, so foods will have to be carried back to the nest. Aphaenogaster have been recorded making “sponges” to absorb liquids on rare occasions, otherwise liquids are rarely taken.

Description: Aphaenogaster picea is an arboreal species that aids forests and woods in seed dispersal. This species will eat the skin off of seeds and drop the remains, which usually results in the start of a new sapling or plant. Dark red/brown coloration with the last 4 segments of their antennae being lighter in color. workers will have an easily identifiable yellow tipped gaster.

Additional Links:


 

Information submitted by Loops117

[Nathant2131]

Nice. We need some more care sheets.

[kingant18]

would anyone know why mine do not move some have even died they ate a cricket after recently moving into the nest but since they got in the nest they have been at a complete stop with minimal movement and its scary. could it be that the nest is to big?

Edited by kingant18, May 23 2017 - 3:30 PM.

[Bracchymyrmex]

would anyone know why mine do not move some have even died they ate a cricket after recently moving into the nest but since they got in the nest they have been at a complete stop with minimal movement and its scary. could it be that the nest is to big?

 

From what I gathered, you moved an Aphaenogaster colony into a formicarium and they have slowed their mobility? Where does the cricket come into play? I'm sorry, but this is incredibly confusing.

[kingant18]

i fed them a cricket after they moved in and they ate it, they are starting to die off in the outworld but the nest seems to be fine and all the ants in the nest are alive and functioning and the mobility as slowed and some are dying only in the outworld though. 

Edited by kingant18, May 25 2017 - 4:12 AM.

[Klassien]

How old and how many workers are in your colony, and how many have died?

If you have a high population colony, those ants more than likely have reached the end of their life. Ants like to have clean nests so they'll move the dead bodies to the out world, and make a dumping site/graveyard.

Along with Bracc, I don't understand how a cricket has anything to do with them dying, unless you know the cricket has been poisoned..

[kingant18]

its a colony of about 60+ an i just got it but they are all sluggish is there anything i can do?

[Loops117]

its a colony of about 60+ an i just got it but they are all sluggish is there anything i can do?

 

Time to get your microscope or high powered magnifying lens. Check for mites. Also, A.picea isn't the most active species. All of my colonies are rather boring until the spurts of time they get hungry. Otherwise, i rarely see mine forage.

[kingant18]

so is it normal to see minimal to no movement

[kingant18]

no mites

[Antdoggy]

so is it normal to see minimal to no movement

where do you live? Could be hibernating 

[FeedTheAnts]

Description: Aphaenogaster picea is an arboreal species that aids forests and woods in seed dispersal. This species will eat the skin off of seeds and drop the remains, which usually results in the start of a new sapling or plant. Dark red/brown coloration with the last 4 segments of their antennae being lighter in color. workers will have an easily identifiable yellow tipped gaster.

 

How many species of Aphaenogaster have this yellow spot on their gaster, is it just picea. There are many different species around here that have the yellow spot. The colony I have has it too, and I'm wondering if this is a sure sign that it is picea.

[Loops117]

 

Description: Aphaenogaster picea is an arboreal species that aids forests and woods in seed dispersal. This species will eat the skin off of seeds and drop the remains, which usually results in the start of a new sapling or plant. Dark red/brown coloration with the last 4 segments of their antennae being lighter in color. workers will have an easily identifiable yellow tipped gaster.

 

How many species of Aphaenogaster have this yellow spot on their gaster, is it just picea. There are many different species around here that have the yellow spot. The colony I have has it too, and I'm wondering if this is a sure sign that it is picea.

 

From my personal experience and research, A.picea are the only species with a yellow tipped gaster. But this is also for michigan.

[Connectimyrmex]

Please mention that Aphaenogaster don't just "cover up" their foods. I've frequently observed mine using little sticks/pieces of dirt to transport honey to the nest after covering the sugary liquids(Aphaenogaster species don't have social stomachs).

[FeedTheAnts]

But I have seen so many species on my property that range in size a lot and they all have it. They also differ in where they nest, when they are active, and the queens look way different.

[Loops117]

Please mention that Aphaenogaster don't just "cover up" their foods. I've frequently observed mine using little sticks/pieces of dirt to transport honey to the nest after covering the sugary liquids(Aphaenogaster species don't have social stomachs).

 

You are correct. I mention later in the care sheet that they use makeshift sponges to absorb liquids to bring back to the nest. I'll rewrite the preferred foods section and have drew fix it. Thank you.

[Connectimyrmex]

 

Please mention that Aphaenogaster don't just "cover up" their foods. I've frequently observed mine using little sticks/pieces of dirt to transport honey to the nest after covering the sugary liquids(Aphaenogaster species don't have social stomachs).

 

You are correct. I mention later in the care sheet that they use makeshift sponges to absorb liquids to bring back to the nest. I'll rewrite the preferred foods section and have drew fix it. Thank you.

 

Thanks! I didn't notice the sponge part

[Kaelwizard]

does anyone know where i can find this species or A. rudis in my area?

[rbarreto]

does anyone know where i can find this species or A. rudis in my area?

Check local forests or parks. You want to check for areas which have elaiosome bearing plants (Trillium, bloodroot).They tend to avoid rural areas.

[Ferox_Formicae]

As far as the common name goes, I have heard this species called the Pitch-black Collared Ant.