3 replies to this topic

[ragingbananas]

hello, a few days ago i caught some Camponotus sp colonies. I am sure that they are either C. Modoc or C. pennsylvanicus. I am trying to figure out feeding.

 

One colony only had a few workers - maybe 8 or so, of which I was only able to get 4. Brood is larva stage, and I was able to gather that. another colony had approx 50 workers of which I caught approx 20. Brood is larva as well. the final capture was a queen with brood - only eggs . Each colony was found right next to each other in a section of fallen tree. 

 

These ants are drinking water ok, but they are not really eating. On day 1 I provided honey. In the larger colony a couple of workers ate a small amount of honey. since I have provided apples and meal worms. So far these have been left untouched. I did cut open the meal worms to decrease the amount of work the ants needed to do. I am on day 3 now. 

 

What can i expect here? is it normal for the colonies to not eat much after they are first captured? If not is there a better food i can offer?

 

Thanks

[Loops117]

Usually when someone or something is held captive against their will, they object against normal routines. When you take anything from the wild, you've instantly put a great deal of stress on the inhabitant. Similar to if a giant were to lift the roof off of your house, and stick you in a box they made for you that looks absolutely nothing like your own home. You would not be interested in carrying on your daily routines. You can throw as much food at them as you want, but they're not interested.

 

All wild colonies take time to adjust. I for one have captured many wild founding colonies, and with time i've learned a LOT. I normally don't offer food within the first half week to week. When i do, it's ignored and usually results in a bigger issue (mold, fungus..etc) due to it just sitting there. Also, i leave them alone for the first 4-5 days. I don't even bother moving their setup. You have ants that are used to total darkness and little to no vibrations, so forcing them to move and be OK with vibrations/light is extremely stressful on them.

[T.C.]

Basically, go with what this Loops guy said. However, as for feeding camponotous tend to prefer maple syrup and fruit flies or spiders for protein. Never got mine to accept honey actually.

[Goldsystem]

My Camponotus really enjoy humming bird nectar and sunburst ant nectar. And my wild caught Pheidole really like cockroaches. The Pheidole wouldn't except food for awhile so I offered them a variety until I figured out what they liked, I would suggest trying this