Crematogaster Scutellaris

[euron]

My queen arrived on the 19 Dec, bought from Chris at Antsrus, shipped on the 12th.

I was worried about this queen as the package was sent to someone else by mistake, then sent to me. This was during a very cold part of the month.

However, she looked okay and I moved her into a clean tube which she took to willingly. 5 Days later she laid 3 eggs. 


Currently she has 3 eggs and I believe 2 larvae though they are small so I can't be sure. She likes to sit in the middle of the test tube and has enjoyed some honey.

[euron]

The 2 larvae are now much bigger and defined against the eggs, I hope this means pupae soon. The egg pile looks to have grown to about 7 too.

[euron]

Not much to update, lots of small larvae, many eggs. Funnily she keeps the eggs spaced out around the curve of the tube.

[euron]

There is most definitely 1 pupae. I can make out what would be the gaster on one of them.

[euron]

I'd kind of hoped there would be some workers by now, but as of now - lots of pupae which is great.

[euron]

Just checked and two pupae have darkened to a browny colour. She has also fattened up on some jelly I gave her friday.

[TenebrousNova]

Lovely looking queen, Euron. I've always been interested in this species for their shape and bright colouration but alas, I never got around to trying them.

[euron]

There are now 4 workers, pupae but no eggs. Been feeding a small part of cricket, meal worm and jelly. The queens of this species seem quite ready to feed for themselves.

The test tube has now run out of water, so I have connected up a new one, hopefully they move quickly but I am not using any incentive - just stored away in their box.

[euron]

I think there are now 7/8 workers for this colony. Lots of brood. Feeding on Thursdays and Sundays. Kept at 26c.

[euron]

These ants continue to grow quickly. There are lots of workers now and brood. Have found it a little tricky to keep them from climbing out as I place food. Am considering the type of nest I may move them into.