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zwjma: Foundation of my new Messor barbarus colony (14. Sep 2009 18:40)

Hey guys,

I'm Joey and I've posted a few times before in the Dutch forum. Since this forum has a lot more active members I expect I get more replies and faster by posting my questions here. The colony I'll talk about is a Messor Barbarus, which is my second colony, I also have a Lasius Niger with about 350 workers.

31 days ago I received my Messor b arbarus colony. I ordered 1 queen and 1-3 workers and I got a queen and 3 workers. I did not see whether the colony had eggs, larvae or pupae. I put the test tube in the glass arena and put some books in front of it so there would be no direct sunlight shining into the arena. I can also regulate the temperature of the small room I keep them in, which varies between 25-28 degrees celcius. The humidity is about 40-60%. Of course they have a constant supply of sugar water, seeds, water, occasionally a piece of mealworm/fly and another test tube filled with water. They've eaten a few seeds and nibbled on the insects.

The problem is that I still haven't seen any eggs. However I did see two larvae, which should mean that there are eggs. Even though this is a fast growing species, I know that the first few worker ants do take a long time to develop. I believe its like 6 weeks, I know I have to be patient but I got a little worried by seeing only 2 larvae after 4 weeks.

So here are my questions:
-Does the Messor b arbarus species tend to stick their eggs into the cotton wool?
-How many larvae should I have after a month?
-Am I doing anything wrong with the food, temperature or humidity?
-Can I mix some honey into my sugar water?

Thanks in advance.

Joey

SteveUK28: Re: Foundation of my new messor barbarus colony (15. Sep 2009 08:46)

Hi Joey,

Ok Messor are like any ants really except maybe lasius.. at first they will take some time to get going. Mine have taken 6+months to each like 30+ants.. but are now doing brilliaint and i have a few lovely big red headed ants too ;) As you said yourself its all about patience. I think your doing everything right tho, i wouldnt worry about sugar or honey as messors dont tend to eat it really. Just the seeds and insects are important.. Mine thrive on just the seeds.. and once.. or twice a week il give them some fresh protein. As of yet ive not seen them eating it tho.. only there seeds. I think your temp and humidity are fine.. i keep mine in a small room simular :)

Anyways.... Best of luck.. and perhaps you could post up some pics.. especialy of your Lasius :D

zwjma: Re: Foundation of my new messor barbarus colony (15. Sep 2009 14:28)

Thank you for your fast reply :)

I feel relieved now. Unlucky my camera isn't good enough to make clear pictures of my Lasius and I can't really afford a new one :(
Also I didn't know messors could live on seeds only.. I thought they preferred insects because they're easier to eat than seeds.

Just one more question: How many months of hibernation is sufficient for messors? I thought of 3 months, from december to march.

SteveUK28: Re: Foundation of my new Messor barbarus colony (18. Sep 2009 12:49)

well mine will go in around Nov.. and il prob start bringing them out again in late feb/march time.. But as long as they get a break i think they will be fine.. just remember they dont have to be put as cold as say Lasius niger..

zwjma: Re: Foundation of my new Messor barbarus colony (18. Sep 2009 14:15)

Ok thanks for your help! :wink: