Click to view full story of "Messor cf. erectus"

bugsy: Messor cf. erectus (22. Jul 2011 12:16)

I am about to purchase a small colony of these, I've been after a M essor species that doesn´t hibernate for ages. Has anyone had experience with them, cant find much on the internet. I've heard their colonies become huge.

bugsy: Re: Messor cf. erectus (10. Dez 2011 19:20)

I've had my small colony now for about 2 months. It consists of about 20 workers or so. I have 3 larvae which are growing but the queen just doesn't seem to want to lay. I keep them in a custom built Y-tong which is moist and has a heat matt. They have accepted a lot of seeds and store them in the nest area, they have also started to make ant bread and accept small insects readily. This species doesn't require hibernation and I believe they are from Marocco. Any ideas why the queen isn't laying? I've also had a few workers die. Thanks guys.

jbc: Re: Messor cf. erectus (11. Dez 2011 09:44)

Hi bugsy. I dont have your species of Messor, but have Messor cf. capitatus. I have them since November and the colony has 18 workers 4 larvea, make antbread and accept insects too. Why she isnt laying? Maybe the Moon phases. Ant biological clock is also the Moon so I would say wait for a bit. ;)

bugsy: Re: Messor cf. erectus (12. Dez 2011 12:59)

If I don't see anything by late Feb then I'll start worrying.

jbc: Re: Messor cf. erectus (12. Dez 2011 20:31)

Okay bugsy.

My Camponotus ligniperdus are in hibernation now and there are no bad symptoms. Do you have other ants?