13 replies to this topic

[Dnail]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: home

2. Date of collection: 31 jan 2018, night
3. Habitat of collection: 1 from dinning table, 1 from teras
4. Length (from head to gaster): around 3mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: brown and abdomen darker
6. Distinguishing characteristics: can't see it well, too small
7. Distinguishing behavior: 
8. Nest description: NA 

9. Nuptial flight time and date: 

 

two different queen but i think it same species

[Phoenix]

Pheidole parva.

[VoidElecent]

I agree with Phoenix; it appears that "they is" Pheidole.

[Mettcollsuss]

Pheidole sp.

[Dnail]

my bad, it should be "are" ahaha

polygynous?

[Mettcollsuss]

Yes, all Pheidole are polygynous.

[Dnail]

should i combine them now? or w8 for worker?

[Derpy]

If they are polygnous it is best to combine before workers.

[Mettcollsuss]

When dealing with polygynous species, there are several factors to consider. I've heard that with Pheidole, colonies are the same size regardless of queen number.

 

However, if it's the idea of having multiple queens you like, here are some options.

     You can mix the queens now, but observe them closely for a few hours. If any signs of aggression appear, separate them immediately. You can also wait until workers arrive. If so, first just put one or two workers from each colony together. If they fight, do not combine. If no aggression surfaces, you may mix the colonies. As stated before, watch for signs of aggression.

 

However, I have no personal experience with Pheidole, so you might want to take advice from someone with experience with these ants.

[LC3]

Yes, all Pheidole are polygynous.

All Pheidole are not polygynous. Although this genre does have its fair share of polygynous species.

[Dnail]

When dealing with polygynous species, there are several factors to consider. I've heard that with Pheidole, colonies are the same size regardless of queen number.

However, if it's the idea of having multiple queens you like, here are some options.
You can mix the queens now, but observe them closely for a few hours. If any signs of aggression appear, separate them immediately. You can also wait until workers arrive. If so, first just put one or two workers from each colony together. If they fight, do not combine. If no aggression surfaces, you may mix the colonies. As stated before, watch for signs of aggression.

However, I have no personal experience with Pheidole, so you might want to take advice from someone with experience with these ants.

[Dnail]

ugh wrong click
thanks all
i will w8 for worker since they alredy laying eggs

[Phoenix]

Pheidole parva is a polygynous species, but foreign colonies (founded by different queens) are aggressive towards one another.

Best to do it now or never. 

Edited by Phoenix, March 8 2018 - 2:58 AM.

[Dnail]

wow i will try it