10 replies to this topic

[Antsinmycloset]

I found hundreds of Crematogaster (lineolata, cerasi, or something similar) queens the other day. Collected a handful that night, but when I went back yesterday there were still quite a few "hiding" in places that would surely get them killed, so I collected a few more. On that note, if you're near Topeka Kansas and want some, PM away. I have an irresponsible amount and will need to release some when it rains next.

Anyway, I was finding 3-6 queens fairly consistently in failed founding chambers or hiding spots. The literature seems to suggest that both species may be polygynous, so I plan to experiment with a few queens per test tube. Do you think 6 or so per tube would be unreasonable? Any recommendations on an upper limit of queens per tube? I realize they may be pleometrotic, but we'll see how it goes.

[FeedTheAnts]

6 is a lot more risky. I would go with mostly tubes of two, and some tubes of three. I've tried combining some queens in tubes with this species but ended up separating them because they were too aggressive. The more queens there are in a tube the more chance they will end up picking each other off.

[Antsinmycloset]

Curious, how long did it take before yours exhibited signs of aggression? I know it's too soon to know anything, but I've been surprised by how docile they group up so far.

[FeedTheAnts]

Curious, how long did it take before yours exhibited signs of aggression? I know it's too soon to know anything, but I've been surprised by how docile they group up so far.

They did it as soon as they made contact. Sometimes with this species and others like it they will show no aggression at first and even in the first few months but there is still a chance they will attack each other, give it a try though if it is working for you, but know that there is a chance they will be aggressive in the future. IDK for sure, do some research on the species.

Edited by TennesseeAnts, September 20 2017 - 6:07 PM.

[MegaMyrmex]

I should note that they won't start laying any eggs until their hibernation/winter is over.

[Canadian anter]

My cerasi started killing each other within the first 10 mins

[Antsinmycloset]

Interesting on how quickly they turned aggressive. You could mistake these queens for a small colony of carpenter ants with how clingy they're being.

If they're not going to lay eggs until spring, is there any reason why I shouldn't just go ahead and start hibernating my Crematogaster and Lasius neoniger now? Does the month prior to hibernation accomplish anything other than burned calories?

[Antsinmycloset]

Edit: Nevermind.

Edited by Antsinmycloset, July 22 2018 - 7:43 PM.

[Kaelwizard]

This is nice to know. I have my own queen.

[Kaelwizard]

Will I have to feed my queen if she has to survive that long?

[Antsinmycloset]

Nope. I like to offer everyone sugar water after hibernation, but they don't require anything until the first workers eclose. Any insects will be wasted.