84 replies to this topic

[dean_k]

Jan 13, 2015

 

Nothing much to report other than more cocoons (6 now) are spotted. I also noticed that the queen has a dent on her gaster (can be seen clealy around 0:07). Obviously, it's not a big deal and appears to be only a cosmetic damage.

 

Edited by dean_k, January 13 2015 - 6:11 PM.

[dean_k]

Jan 19, 2015

 

There are a lot of cocoons now (10+). Few of the cocoons should be about to eclose soon.

 

And I believe the queen has laid more eggs.

 

 

 

 

Above is my setup when taking the video.

Edited by dean_k, January 19 2015 - 4:39 PM.

[dean_k]

Jan 21, 2015

 

I am using a new microscope I purchased. I was using a cheapass 20 bucks microscope but I am now using a 60 bucks microscope and the result is much better.

 

Among the cocoons, I also see a naked pupa. Is this normal? Or is that pupa meant to die prematurely?

 

 

My new setup now. It's good that she is used to light. You'd think she'd freak out and run around but she was cool as a cucumber.

 

[Jonathan21700]

I don't think it is a problem. I've had the same thing with Formica ants and  both types of pupa turned into healthy workers. Good luck!

[dspdrew]

Happens a lot.

[dean_k]

So, the larva just conveniently forgot to spin its cocoon? Why spin a cocoon at all if they can do fine without it?

Edited by dean_k, January 21 2015 - 7:52 AM.

[drtrmiller]

It was probably neglected during that stage, as they require substrate to be placed on them in order to properly spin. Queen probably had her mandibles full with another youngster.

[dspdrew]

So, the larva just conveniently forgot to spin its cocoon? Why spin a cocoon at all if they can do fine without it?

No reason at all I think. Myrmicines figured that out. I think in their natural habitat, it's proabably best for them to spin one, hence the reason they haven't yet evolved to not do so. Sometimes they will pull the pupae out of the cocoons for some reason too.

[dean_k]

Jan 25, 2015

 

Any day now. Nanitics may emerge any day. Her new egg files are developing into larvae meanwhile.

 

[dean_k]

28 Jan, 2015

 

Hooray !

 

Two nanitics were born today. Now I can finally ID this species.

 

[dean_k]

30 Jan, 2015

 

There are now 6 nanitics. 3 of them seemed to have eclosed every recently due to their transparent exoskeleton. Nanitcs are actively running around the queen's chamber but they haven't opened the door yet.

 

It's either Niger or Neoniger.

 

Edited by dean_k, January 30 2015 - 8:37 AM.

[Crystals]

There several brown Lasius species in Canada.

But if you are choosing between Lasius niger and neoniger, then it is almost certainly Lasius neoniger as Lasius niger is a European species that is only seen rarely as a hitch hiker.

[dean_k]

Feb 2, 2015

 

Ever since nanitics arrived, their behaviors have changed. The queen no longer decides where she stays. The workers now decide. Nanitics have been playing with substrate and attempted to make a nest. I think they meant to make an underground nest but they couldn't dig.

 

Because they are so small and they blend into substrate color, I can hardly tell how many there are and where they are when they are running around. Which means I am no longer able to take video with queen's chamber open. Nanitcs were able to get out, so this video has been taken without opening the chamber.

 

So, mind the reflections. I gave them a piece of mealworm. I cut the worm into three pieces. Two pieces went for my Myrmica colony. The last piece, a head, went to this colony. They seem to be enjoying it.

 

[Miles]

Your queen sure looks skinny.

[dean_k]

Probably because she hadn't eaten anything since September until tonight.

[Gregory2455]

Yay! Her first meal!

[Miles]

I would definitely recommend that you give them some carbohydrates. Apple (skinless, or organic and washed) is a great way to do this.

[dean_k]

The mealworm piece was soaked in sugar water before being placed in there. I found that it's a better way to give founding colonies sugar and protein at the same time without having them venture out for sugar.

[drtrmiller]

My young Lasius colonies that were also founded in September, but did not require hibernation, have shown constant interest in the sweeter Formula variations such as Green 600 and the orange one I sent you.

I feed them that and also maintain a culture of springtails in their foraging area, which they regularly prune, as I see larvae being fed their bodies constantly. I haven't tried bigger insects, but did occasionally offer a fruit fly which they devoured in its entirety.

The queen and first nanitcs would eat Blue 100, but I saw a loss of interest when I moved them to a formicarium, the GroTube. I expect the colony to take interest again as they mature.

[Miles]

I feed them that and also maintain a culture of springtails in their foraging area, which they regularly prune, as I see larvae being fed their bodies constantly.

What species of springtails?