11 replies to this topic

[antnest8]

HI i just found a Stigmatomma worker/queen any one know any info regarding their care?

[AntsAreUs]

These are specialist predators of centipedes, however mine like most arthropods I put in with them. I mostly feed them moths, moth larva, and beetle grubs. I've heard that they really like mealworms. They make very small colonies, often found with only several workers. For housing them, they need high humidity and preferably substrate (may need springtails to prevent mold). Do you have any pictures? I would love to see them.

Edited by AntsAreUs, May 3 2018 - 1:19 PM.

[StayLoki]

^^I wanna see too!!! don't make me go googleitup

[StayLoki]

Whoa 👀 creepy, almost like a termite
(My apologies termite peeps!)

[AntsAreUs]

Here is my examples of the differences of queens and workers of this species:

 

Worker:

Queen:

 

As you can see there are clearly pretty good sized wing scars and a somewhat larger thorax. The queens also have much larger eyes than the workers.

Edited by AntsAreUs, May 3 2018 - 2:10 PM.

[StayLoki]

They are so weird with the segmented antenna and 'stinger' gaster..part mosquito lol

Are they in the us??
Forgive me, I didn't look where they're native.

[AntsAreUs]

They are very widespread in North America, but are infrequently encountered due to their cryptic lifestyle.

[MegaMyrmex]

They can sting, I got stung by a queen and it felt like a red hot pin prick. I've never tried it but maybe try feeding them fruit flies since all of my picky ants will accept it.

Edited by MegaMyrmex, May 4 2018 - 8:38 AM.

[antnest8]

sorry for not responding i took the pictures on my IPod which is not working right now but thanks for the info. since the colonies don't have many workers how big is the nest size then?

[sericultivist]

This is probably my favorite genus of US native cryptic ants, I really look forwards to finding Stigmatomma oregonensis when I move up to Oregon. Hope you get your ipod working again soon!

[VenomousBeast]

Alright, so, with Stigmatomma pallipes, you have got to have another colony associated with it. I learned this with my "supercolony". Most of them died until I decided to try to add a different species in with them. I put in an Aphaenogaster colony with it and they kidnapped the brood and fed off of them until they created their own brood. I'm thinking that when I find an alate of this species that I'll give them brood from Aphaenogaster till she has her own brood. Maybe that's why everyone is so unsuccessful with Stigmatomma pallipes. Sadly due to hydration issues and a heat wave my entire colony has been eradicated.

[AntsAreUs]

Alright, so, with Stigmatomma pallipes, you have got to have another colony associated with it. I learned this with my "supercolony". Most of them died until I decided to try to add a different species in with them. I put in an Aphaenogaster colony with it and they kidnapped the brood and fed off of them until they created their own brood. I'm thinking that when I find an alate of this species that I'll give them brood from Aphaenogaster till she has her own brood. Maybe that's why everyone is so unsuccessful with Stigmatomma pallipes. Sadly due to hydration issues and a heat wave my entire colony has been eradicated.

Stigmatomma pallipes diet is relatively unknown. All I know right now is that they accept a small variety of prey but outright refuse things they don't want and don't even take notice. In labs they have lived on raw meat.