6 replies to this topic

[jdsaunders1390]

I caught this potential dealate wandering (slowly) on my hardwood living room floor. (My cat wanted to play with it!) I live in a subdivision with grass yards and not much else, though lakes and wooded areas are found within a mile. The subdivision is overrun with one [unknown] species of Pheidole, and not many other species of ants that I have seen. This individual is 9.5 mm long.

 

 

I put her in a test tube setup with a drop of honey. She immediately went to the cotton ball at the bottom and began drinking for a long time. I believe I have caught this species before, but did not have any luck getting eggs out of her. The one I caught before was identified as a Pseudomyrmex gracilis dealate. I am posting this because I want to confirm the species, confirm that it is indeed a dealate, and get any advice you may have on raising this semi-claustral species. Part of the reason I would like some confirmation is because it is awfully late to be finding one of these dealates, and since the last one I caught never produced eggs, there is always the chance that it was not even a dealate. Thanks in advance for your help!

[123LordOfAnts123]

A dealate Pseudomyrmex gracilis indeed. The species is known to fly year round when weather permits, though their flights normally peak in the summer months.

They're best raised in small diameter test tubes, with anywhere from 6mm-3mm inner diameter test tubes being preferred. I normally keep the test tubes completely bare; they prefer their nests fairly dry but appreciate higher humidity in the vicinity. A water source in the outworld is important and live fruit flies are readily hunted in an outworld. Sugar/honey water is taken with gusto.

I mostly have experience with already established colonies, the likes of which adapt quickly to captivity. Lone delate queens seem reluctant to lay eggs and may be difficult to get started. Luckily the former is easily acquired, entire colonies can be found within a few inches of hollow stick. Simply find areas plentiful in dead twigs and vines where workers can be seen foraging and snap them open to see what's inside.

Edited by 123LordOfAnts123, September 27 2017 - 10:18 AM.

[T.C.]

Very impressive looking queen.

[Zeiss]

I caught this potential dealate wandering (slowly) on my hardwood living room floor. (My cat wanted to play with it!) I live in a subdivision with grass yards and not much else, though lakes and wooded areas are found within a mile. The subdivision is overrun with one [unknown] species of Pheidole, and not many other species of ants that I have seen. This individual is 9.5 mm long.

 

 

 

I put her in a test tube setup with a drop of honey. She immediately went to the cotton ball at the bottom and began drinking for a long time. I believe I have caught this species before, but did not have any luck getting eggs out of her. The one I caught before was identified as a Pseudomyrmex gracilis dealate. I am posting this because I want to confirm the species, confirm that it is indeed a dealate, and get any advice you may have on raising this semi-claustral species. Part of the reason I would like some confirmation is because it is awfully late to be finding one of these dealates, and since the last one I caught never produced eggs, there is always the chance that it was not even a dealate. Thanks in advance for your help!

If you want an ant to be identified, follow the forum rules and format for an ID request.  

[VoidElecent]

If you want an ant to be identified, follow the forum rules and format for an ID request.  

 

You did post the right information and you included a good photo, but I agree with Zeiss; you should refer to the identification template thread before you post.

[Zeiss]

 

If you want an ant to be identified, follow the forum rules and format for an ID request.  

 

You did post the right information and you included a good photo, but I agree with Zeiss; you should refer to the identification template thread before you post.

 

Yes, apologies if I had come off as rude.  The forum rules (as simple and undemanding as they are) have not been followed quite often in recent times and it annoys me quite greatly after being here for multiple years.  

 

There is an "Important Topics" section in the top right of the home page that seems to get overlooked by a majority of the new users.  

[jdsaunders1390]

I apologize if I offended everyone. I am well aware of the template post, part of which says, "It's not entirely necessary to use this template either, as long as all the information, or at least as much as possible is in your post."
I don't believe I missed any important information, though if I did, I do apologize. I also am not trying to be rude, so please do not take this as unnecessary aggression. I am only posting this because if I were a brand new poster, I might be discouraged by your comment, even though my post contained the necessary information. (I think it did, anyway!)

Edit: Accidentally double posted.

Edited by jdsaunders1390, September 27 2017 - 6:04 PM.