7 replies to this topic

[AntBread]

So I caught a Myrmica Rubra queen the other day and she has shed off her wings so I am assuming that she is fertile. I know that she is semi-claustral so 1) what should I feed her? 2) should I feed her live fruit flies?. Also I am not familiar with this species (myrmica rubra) so could anyone give me some tips on how to care for this ant and any notable features/characteristics this species has. Thanks!

[Major]

Starting Myrmica tends to be difficult. Live or pre killed fruit flys should work, just make sure that they are wingless. Pre killed will make it easier for the queen, but it doesn't really matter. I think I read something about someone who raised different Myrmica queens, some with pre killed, and some with live. The prekilled ones progressed faster, but it is not scientifically proven.

Give your queen an out world as this will cause less stress during feeding. And you won't have to worry as much about an escaped queen during feeding. Make sure that she is foraging. Don't check on her too much.

Also, are you sure that she is Myrmica Rubra? There are no Myrmica Rubra in New Jersey. Ant Web states that the only Myrmica sp. in New Jersey are Myrmica Punctiventris and Myrmica Spatulata. There is a small chance you could have also mistaken your queen for an Aphaenogaster sp. if you don't have much experience with

https://www.antweb.o...tes&images=true

Oh, and watch out! These ants have a nasty sting!

Your possibles queens. A pic would help review their ID.

Myrmica Punctiventris:

Credits: https://bugguide.net.../1019629/bgpage

Myrmica Spatulata:
Can't find a queen pic, but here's some info on them. http://www.antwiki.o...rmica_spatulata

I know Myrmica Rubra is invasive in some areas of the USA but I don't think NJ is one of them


I hope this helped and good luck with your queen!

[AntBread]

Starting Myrmica tends to be difficult. Live or pre killed fruit flys should work, just make sure that they are wingless. Pre killed will make it easier for the queen, but it doesn't really matter. I think I read something about someone who raised different Myrmica queens, some with pre killed, and some with live. The prekilled ones progressed faster, but it is not scientifically proven.

Give your queen an out world as this will cause less stress during feeding. And you won't have to worry as much about an escaped queen during feeding. Make sure that she is foraging. Don't check on her too much.

Also, are you sure that she is Myrmica Rubra? There are no Myrmica Rubra in New Jersey. Ant Web states that the only Myrmica sp. in New Jersey are Myrmica Punctiventris and Myrmica Spatulata. There is a small chance you could have also mistaken your queen for an Aphaenogaster sp. if you don't have much experience with

https://www.antweb.o...tes&images=true

Oh, and watch out! These ants have a nasty sting!

Your possibles queens. A pic would help review their ID.

Myrmica Punctiventris:

Credits: https://bugguide.net.../1019629/bgpage

Myrmica Spatulata:
Can't find a queen pic, but here's some info on them. http://www.antwiki.o...rmica_spatulata

I know Myrmica Rubra is invasive in some areas of the USA but I don't think NJ is one of them


I hope this helped and good luck with your queen!

After looking at my ant again I am starting to doubt that it is Myrmica (like you said) but am having trouble identifying it. 

Here are some pics. 

https://imgur.com/gPPAOk1

https://imgur.com/UrfVabo

https://imgur.com/SksPLlo

https://imgur.com/LjFCK5l

https://imgur.com/ZYgmR2K

https://imgur.com/1VsXI5O

[AntsAreUs]

Looks to me like some sort of parasitic Lasius. 

Edited by AntsAreUs, July 30 2018 - 3:52 PM.

[AntBread]

Looks to me like some sort of parasitic Lasius. 

Facts

[Major]

If this is a parasitic Lasius sp. then you will need some host workers. Give your queen some lasius workers or brood. Introduce workers only after a few days prior to capture. Keep a close eye on them after introduction. If any aggression is shown, immediately sepperate them and try again a few days later. I tend to find host workers under bricks and rocks.

[AntBread]

If this is a parasitic Lasius sp. then you will need some host workers. Give your queen some lasius workers or brood. Introduce workers only after a few days prior to capture. Keep a close eye on them after introduction. If any aggression is shown, immediately sepperate them and try again a few days later. I tend to find host workers under bricks and rocks.

Thank you so much!

[Kaelwizard]

Definitely parasitic Lasius. Maybe L. claviger? They aren't the easiest ants to raise.