84 replies to this topic

[dspdrew]

i would try to show pictures if i knew how

 

Check the "Important Topics".

[PurdueEntomology]

UPDATE: Friends, I found the gyne/queen deceased this morning upon an inspection of the colony.  I can only assume she may have been old as the colony overall had food, even though they have been kept at cooled temperatures ranging between 40-55 F and allowed to transition for the past month and a half to an over wintering condition.  There were no signs of mold, mites etc so I cannot consider an infection or parasite.  I did not find any on her body either upon investigation.  I can only assume old age or just an unknown.  The upshot of this venture is 1. this species and, most likely,  sympatric species are not impossible to culture, 2. only those willing to invest in their needs:  space, food requirements, minimum disturbances should even attempt this species or sympatric ones.  I personally would NOT recommend keeping this or other sympatric species save for research purposes, they are not pets.  I do not regret removing his colony from its natural setting and attempting to keep them, overall it was successful. I will finish the paper I am writing on cultural practices for those interested.  I have in the interim been finding unusual species here:  Proceratium chickasaw with larvae and pupae, they have been easy to house even with having to feed them spider eggs.  Three species of Stenamma, [not so much unusual as different] I have not yet identified them down to species but will do that soon.  Three species of Strumigenys.  I am planning a trip to Uwharrie National Forest, North Carolina where I am going to see if I can find Stigmatomma trigonignathum  since that national forest lies between the two locations where this species has been collected.  I am curious if I can find this species.  Otherwise, I really appreciate the positive engagement with this series of posts.  

[Superant33]

Most people should avoid keeping army ants. I think you did so well by feeding them their natural food. It was an interesting journal.

[PurdueEntomology]

Superant33 I would agree most definitely, enjoy them in the wild and leave 'em alone...

[neoponera]

i personally found this journal very usefull and filled with experienced keepers

 

we will all learn from this journal