4 replies to this topic

[Saltynuts]

I live in Pearland, just south of Houston.  Almost all I ever see is fire ants.  But I found these today.  Any idea what species they are?  Is the first one a queen by any chance?  I think the second one is the same species, just a worker.

 

https://ibb.co/hXaWD8

 

https://ibb.co/ims06T

 

Thanks!

[Ants_Texas]

This is a Pseudomyrmex gracilis queen. Nice find! Hopefully she's fertile.

[Saltynuts]

Thanks you Ants_Texas!  Any idea whether she is a queen that doesn't need to eat before her first workers hatch and bring her food or should I crush up some insects and put in her test tube (along with water of course).

 

Thanks!

[Ants_Texas]

Thanks you Ants_Texas!  Any idea whether she is a queen that doesn't need to eat before her first workers hatch and bring her food or should I crush up some insects and put in her test tube (along with water of course).

 

Thanks!

Pseudomyrmex gracilis is semi-claustral, so she will need some honey and protein while founding. Give her *small* drops of honey and fruit flies while founding. Good luck!

 

(Don't try anything other than  dead fruit flies, trust me it just doesn't work)

[Saltynuts]

Thank our Ants Texas!