625 replies to this topic

[Acutus]

I sent you some pics in a PM. No, I know what the problem is, I just haven't fixed it yet.

 

FIX it! FIX it! Fix it! Or send me the pics too! LOL    ​ 

[NickAnter]

You should consider Pheidole pilifera for your other queen.  I just don't think that she is long enough to be Ph. morrisii.  Here is a pic:

[CatsnAnts]

You should consider Pheidole pilifera for your other queen. I just don't think that she is long enough to be Ph. morrisii. Here is a pic:

I have considered this species, although my queen is definitely long enough to be in the running for P. morrisii. She’s about 8mm which is what P. morrisii is. Also, the gaster shap and size doesn’t really match up the best. I’m not for sure though, so I’m not ruling this option out.

[Kaelwizard]

I found a dead Ph. pilifera. I was so mad

[CatsnAnts]

I found a dead Ph. pilifera. I was so mad

I would have been too!

[NickAnter]

You should make an ID post for your Pheidole queen.  Then you will get a definitive answer.  Also, are there any areas near you with pure sand, or extremely sandy soil?

[CatsnAnts]

You should make an ID post for your Pheidole queen. Then you will get a definitive answer. Also, are there any areas near you with pure sand, or extremely sandy soil?

That’s probably a good idea, I’ll make one today. As for sandy areas, I know one spot in particular that has over ten Ph. morrisii colonies. They’re even more common than Ph. bicarinata.

[CatsnAnts]

Alright, ID thread is up for the pheidole queens! Also, Temnothorax ambiguus just got their second pupae!

[CatsnAnts]

Today I was looking around outside, watching some colonies of Pheidole morrisii when I noticed a very inconspicuous hole in the dirt. Upon closer examination, it appeared to have an ant blocking the entrance, and I immediately wondered if this was Colobopsis. Since. The thing at the entrance has retreated a few millimeters down and I am not able to get a good look at it. That would be cool if it was, because I’ve not yet discovered a wild colony of this genus.

[madbiologist]

Today I was looking around outside, watching some colonies of Pheidole morrisii when I noticed a very inconspicuous hole in the dirt. Upon closer examination, it appeared to have an ant blocking the entrance, and I immediately wondered if this was Colobopsis. Since. The thing at the entrance has retreated a few millimeters down and I am not able to get a good look at it. That would be cool if it was, because I’ve not yet discovered a wild colony of this genus.

If it's in the dirt it wouldn't be colobopsis, colobopsis are strictly arboreal, with one species only nesting in white ash trees and the other is less picky with trees types.

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[CatsnAnts]

Today I was looking around outside, watching some colonies of Pheidole morrisii when I noticed a very inconspicuous hole in the dirt. Upon closer examination, it appeared to have an ant blocking the entrance, and I immediately wondered if this was Colobopsis. Since. The thing at the entrance has retreated a few millimeters down and I am not able to get a good look at it. That would be cool if it was, because I’ve not yet discovered a wild colony of this genus.

If it's in the dirt it wouldn't be colobopsis, colobopsis are strictly arboreal, with one species only nesting in white ash trees and the other is less picky with trees types.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Ya, I figured that.

[NickAnter]

It might have been  a Pheidole major, they do that sometimes.

[CatsnAnts]

Turns out it was a wasp!

Update:

My Colobopsis impressa queen has passed away.

The Pheidole morrisii queen (1) with the most eggs has eaten them.

[CatsnAnts]

All Pheidole queens are doing great! The one P. morrisii queen that ate her eggs has a small pile again. The other three with eggs how large piles.

I also found a Lasius cf. speculventris queen.

[CatsnAnts]

I have designed a little natural formicarium in a small round glass bowl. I’m currently moving my colony of strumigenys into it.

[CatsnAnts]

This is great ! The colony of Strumigenys has decided to move under a small piece of bark right against the glass! I can see them clearly, although it took forever to find out where there colony was .

[Kaelwizard]

Do they only eat springtails?

[ponerinecat]

Do they only eat springtails?

No, they will eat lots of other soft bodied small animals, but that is the food which is the easiest to provide for them.

[Kaelwizard]

So could they eat like grubs or something instead?

[CatsnAnts]

Time for an update!

First off, I procarasrinated on my summer work (had to read three books and do a lot of study guides and essays), so as punishment goes, I got grounded anyways, I have my phone back now.

Temnothorax ambiguus (1) — No queens’ names — No colony name:
— This colony just got their first workers three days ago ! I did however discover a queen had seemingly passed away this morning, although her body is still completely intact, which leads me to believe she was infertile to start with. I’m leaving her in their just in case she is still alive, and because I can’t reach her due to the fact that the other queens are sitting on top of her. I fed them all honey, and hey really liked it. As for pupae, they’ve got around 18 soon to eclose! I’ve got really high hopes for these gals!


Strumigenys pilinasis — No queen name — No colony name:
— As said, I moved them into a terrarium (a small one) and they moved right up against the glass, although I cannot see the queen or brood. I’m going to try and add some springtails soon.


All pheidole:
— All four pheidole queens with eggs are doing good. It might be a while before workers though at this rate.