ANTSTORE World of Ants

[bugsy]

I have about 24 but you can't compare Camponotus ligniperdus to Camponotus cruentatus. Camponotus ligniperdus are slower to grow and are not a south European species where its warmer unlike Camponotus cruentatus. If by this time next year my colony hits 100 I would be very happy.

[bugsy]

I noticed a fair bit of movement within the nest about 2 weeks ago and the colony accepted a small cricket so I decided to warm them up. They went into hibernation really early so I had an idea they would be out early February anyway. The colony is very active at the moment, I lost 4 workers during hibernation, i think the nest was to dry but i noticed early enough to correct the problem before any major loses. Only 3 larvae survived the winter period, probably eaten as expected. The colony are now eating 2-3 crickets a day which has triggered the queen to lay a mass of eggs as big as her, must be at least 80 which surprised me greatly. This is the biggest batch i've ever seen her lay, when they turn to larvae I'll post some pictures. This year should be more interesting than the last.

[mikedelaat]

nice colonie
i want this ants too they are beautiful

[bugsy]

Interesting question if anyone knows. Why do my workers keep storing some of the eggs on top on the queen? Never seen it before just curious?

[bugsy]

As you can see the colony is going to grow quick this year, there are more eggs out of the picture This is a slow species but once the first year has passed it seems they will grow a lot quicker. Patience is the key. My Camponotus Nigriceps queen hasn't laid batches this big, although they seem to be more frequent in laying.

[SteveUK28]

Very nice bugsy.. wish mine had worked out

[bugsy]

@Steve. What happened to your colonies? Your Crematogaster colony was massive from what i remember.

[SteveUK28]

No ideas mate.. happened over xmas.. every colony just died.. smaller ones in hibernation went first.. and then the larger ones.. must have been fungus.. or some kind of germ.. it was very weird..

[bugsy]

Fungus can be passed easy, just using the same tweezers to feed and remove things from the tank can spread it. Sorry to hear mate, on the plus what are going to start again with? I have Camponotus nigriceps they are massive and seem to be growing quick. Just an idea.

[SteveUK28]

Whatever i can get really mate, i would like an exotic, but it depends on what people have and prices.. I would I guess like another Camponotus substitutus colony.

[bugsy]

[img[/img]jj
This is just one of the 2 piles currently developing. See the difference in colouration between the new and older workers, the pupae have starting hatching now. Not long for a population boost. I'm hoping that one of the small larvae in there will become a major.

[Lewis]

Wow your colony is amazing hope mine will be as good as this!
how many workers does yours have now?

Regards

[bugsy]

Well I have about 28, the brood from the first batch since hibernation have just begun to hatch. So I guess in the course of the next week or 2 the numbers should hit 50+ very quick.

[Lewis]

cool

hope my eggs begin to hatch into larvae soon.

[bugsy]

Population boom still going, 70+ now, no sign of a major though. I wonder why they decide and when? Perhaps they know there is no danger to the colony.