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AntsNational: Myrmecia Reproduction (Video included) (24. Dez 2012 16:00)

Hello all,

I thought it would probably be better to post a discussion on ant reproduction; in specifics to Myrmecia. I've been able to photograph a successful coupling of these ants in captivity. Early on the day of Christmas eve, it seems as though a male has succeeded in copulating with one of the princesses. I did make a video on this experience, so far I only released part 1.

Part 1 can be viewed here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CES-U4T-HRw

Merry Christmas Everybody!

AntsNational: Re: Myrmecia Reproduction (Video included) (27. Dez 2012 19:28)

As of last night/morning of ~2:00 am , I was lucky enough to witness another entire mating attempt & success. An excited (wingless) male came into contact (with his antennae) with a receptive female. As soon as they made contact, she tried to run but he was an edge quicker. He managed to climb onto her back and for the next 10 minutes he periodically flexed his gaster & mated with her. Upon frequent attempts he would fail though. For the most part of the mating he was just riding on her back. These ants have displayed that they can mate in the dark at night as well as day.

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas :)

AntsNational: Re: Myrmecia Reproduction (Video included) (28. Dez 2012 21:00)

Here is the second part of the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwmhwW6w2dM

AntsNational: Re: Myrmecia Reproduction (Video included) (30. Dez 2012 17:50)

There is now one queen which dominates a small corner of the enclosure. She has quite a few eggs. I am beginning to think that she is fertilized judging the way she guards her eggs & has a more dominant attitude towards all of the other ants. Hmm.