ANTSTORE World of Ants

[AntsNational]

Hi all, I have finally obtained a Camponotus cruentatus queen and just last night she gave rise to two gorgeous first workers. I hope she does very well, currently I am keeping this small colony in a test tube until it grows large enough for an outworld. I usually keep my colonies in test tubes until they've reached a certain size---it differs per species. Anywho here are some pictures of my queen and her workers, and some older ones when they were still pupae. I've also noticed that this queen has one abnormally large larva and I'm not too sure what it may become. I hope not a male!! I will keep updating as the colony grows, enjoy (PS, I will have a better camera very soon.) You can notice the size of the larger larva. When it pupates I will update that as well.

Cheers

Antman

[Ants-Fan]

Hello theantman!
Thats one of my favourite ants!
I wish you a good starting with your Camponotus cruentatus.





MfG Ants-Fan

[AntsNational]

Thanks Ants-Fan! I'll make sure to post many pictures as the colony develops

[DigiSERBIA]

Nice i just love Camponotus species i wish you the best luck possible and to get a large amount of workers as soon as possible !

[Eman]

Looks great mate! I just got my Queen some time ago as well, already have one worker (they killed the newborn one don't know why) Great pictures!
My camera sucks so I still don't have pictures on my thread.

This will be interesting to compare your queen performance with mine =)

Good luck!

[AntsNational]

Looks great mate! I just got my Queen some time ago as well, already have one worker (they killed the newborn one don't know why) Great pictures!
My camera sucks so I still don't have pictures on my thread.

This will be interesting to compare your queen performance with mine =)

Good luck!

Are you challenging me to an "Ant-off," Eman? haha! They may have killed the newborn callow either out of stress, or maybe it was defective? The ants know best!

Antman

[AntsNational]

Nice i just love Camponotus species i wish you the best luck possible and to get a large amount of workers as soon as possible !

Thankyou very much DigiSERBIA! All the best to you as well! If you ever have any questions about ants, don't hesitate to give me a shout via PM! I'd love to speculate and help!

Antman

[AntsNational]

**UPDATE**

The larger larva has pupated. I am quite convinced that its not going to be a male but instead a larger worker. Will post pics when it ecloses!

[AntsNational]

Hello readers,

So I have found a creative way to take macro shots with a non-professional digital camera. The shots may not be top quality but they're definitely an upgrade! The two workers + queen are busy tending to the remaining larvae and single pupa. I have a feeling she won't lay any eggs until the spring after hibernation but only time will tell. As one can see, the pupa is too small to be a male and will be a worker. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good formicarium to put them in when they grow in population?

Antman

[jbc]

Hi theantman!

Nice colony you got there.
I have C. ligniperdus. (50+workers)
I keep my in a 30X20X25 basin with humus from antstore http://antstore.net/shop/product_info.php/info/p1067_humus-brick-150g-for-2l.html
I have a thread too so you can see that too if you want and comment http://www.antstore.net/viewtopic.php?f=194&t=16396

[AntsNational]

Hi jbc,

Thanks a lot! I also use humus for certain colonies but I must inform you to first microwave the dry bricks or you may have an outbreak of mites or fungus gnats. Good luck on your new colony!

Cheers,
Antman

[jbc]

Well i didnt microwavwe it.

hope that there arent mites

[AntsNational]

As it is Mid-October, colony development has been very very slow. The pupa has developed the characteristic dark eyes and is darkening and will eventually eclose. I keep them in room temperature for the time being but I will move them to the hibernation room along with my other hibernating species. Will keep updating.

Antman

[DigiSERBIA]

Do u have a special room for your ants? Can you please adopt me as your son ?

[AntsNational]

Do u have a special room for your ants? Can you please adopt me as your son ?

^^Lol!!

Hello all,

There is good and bad news. The bad news is the pupa has died, I am unsure as to why or how this happened. The good news is the remaining six larvae are very healthy entering hibernation. I will update in about a month.

Cheers