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[CheetoLord02]

Album: Aphaenogaster

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May 17. Colony found nesting in a rotting stump. Small chamber with many larvae discovered.

 

May 31. Colony of 650+ members wild-caught.

 

Jun 5. Colony moved into size 5 Ants Australia Acrylic nest. Ants occupy most humid chambers.

 

Jun 6. After 6 days of experimentation, it is discovered that A. Tennesseensis will only eat nuts. (almonds, cashews, pecans, peanuts).

 

Jun 15. First worker eclosed in captivity. Newly eclosed workers are a very light yellowish-tan color with golden gasters. This contrasts heavily to the dark maroon-brown bodies and amber gasters of mature workers.

 

Jun 21. First reproductive ant eclosed. Male. This is very important, as all other research on this species suggests that alates appear in nests is August.

Edited by CheetoLord02, June 29 2018 - 11:27 PM.

[AntsAreUs]

Aphaenogaster in nature disperse seeds by consuming the outside of them and letting the seed grow. My Aphaenogaster also only eat seeds. As for reproductives the same could be said to other Aphaenogaster too. The Aphaenogaster rudis here don't fly until August but they have alates right now.

[CheetoLord02]

May 17. Colony found nesting in a rotting stump. Small chamber with many larvae discovered.

 

May 31. Colony of 650+ members wild-caught.

 

Jun 5. Colony moved into size 5 Ants Australia Acrylic nest. Ants occupy most humid chambers.

 

Jun 6. After 6 days of experimentation, it is discovered that A. Tennesseensis will only eat nuts. (almonds, cashews, pecans, peanuts).

 

Jun 15. First worker eclosed in captivity. Newly eclosed workers are a very light yellowish-tan color with golden gasters. This contrasts heavily to the dark maroon-brown bodies and amber gasters of mature workers.

 

Jun 21. First reproductive ant eclosed. Male. This is very important, as all other research on this species suggests that alates appear in nests is August.

 

Jun 24. 2 more drones eclosed.