Lukethelukes Messor Barbarus Journal - picture heavy

[Deleted]

I would like to put my messor colony into a soil nest soon. I think I will opt for an upright nest from Antstore. The 40cm x 30cm nest, I prefer to have a large formicarium for a colony to grow into, rather than put them in a small set up and then have to move them later or attach another nest.

I think the size of tank that Jen & Wood have for their Messors is a good size. Has room for expansion and should be very suitable.

[Jenny]

The grey tank at the side of the square tank also has Messors in it. They have been in that for at least the last 5 years.

[luketheluke]

Hey guys I know I've been inactive on here been a bit busy with work etc I'm sorry!

I'm sad to say I have just been to do my weekly check on my ant colony's which are all in my garden shed for the winter and all seem OK apart from of course my Messor Barbarus Queen who is on her back, I have no idea why she was fine last week, there is also a very large worker (not far off her size) on its back, I am devastated I really couldn't wait to bring this colony out of hibernation and watch them thrive this year, they where growing so fast and doing so well I'm not sure what has happened. There is a slight mold breakout in one of the chambers but It isnt in the one where she usually hangs out, maybe this could be the cause?

She is slightly moving her legs but I don't hold much hope, a lot of her workers are still alive around her though, I've bought the tank inside into the conservatory where its still a bit chilly but a lot warmer than outside, I shall keep you updated 

[luketheluke]

Oh I also forgot to mention around the start of October I moved this colony into a tank full of soil which they didn't hesitate to let loose in instantly digging it out and moving there eggs and larvae down to the bottom

[Jenny]

Messors will die in a garden shed in winter, as it is far to cold for them the cold will finish them off. They need to be in a warmish room but not over hot. Ours are in the south facing kitchen and bedroom. These are around 16-18C most of the time during winter.

[luketheluke]

Ahh wow I read they can take up to -15 in hibernation I guess I shouldn't believe everything I read on the internet, they had been fine up too now

[Jenny]

Some people use heat pads during the winter, especially if you live in the north of the UK and the central heating is only on in the day. But even living in the south, it is high risk to keep them in a shed even with insulation. Native species you would get away with in bubblewrap or polystyrene.  Some info on the net is very misleading, here I like to tell it like it is, good or bad as it is in the best interest for the ants and their wellbeing 

[Wood~Ant]

I would never, ever keep this ant species lower than 14 Celsius, which means a cold shed is a definite No. We encourage members to read the Ant Species Profiles board for that little bit of extra help keeping ants, as many species are intolerant of very cold conditions.
Read more about it here} Messor barbarus species profile.

[luketheluke]

I do not mind you telling me how it is. I feel a fool she's fully disappeared today, I'm guessing the workers have moved her body, she must have been strong to survive to now. My other 4 colonies are all fine but they are native species, I guess I will learn from my mistakes and try pick up a new queen this year : [

[Deleted]

Perhaps she has warmed up enough to move? you said she was slightly moving her legs. I have my fingers crossed for you.

[luketheluke]

Well Dayshadow you where right. I cannot believe it, she's alive! Lifted the tank up earlier and she's wandering around the chambers with about 6 workers following her, I guess I got her inside just in time! I'm so happy

long live the queen!

[Wood~Ant]

I am really happy to hear the queen is alive and well, and it sounds like you saved her just in time from possible death due to being too cold. From a near disaster it is a lesson learned, and you will not make the same mistake again Luke.

[luketheluke]

Yeah you're right there wood. Next year I think they will stay in the house and I'll just put them in one of the colder rooms I will post some pictures soon.

[luketheluke]

I went to get a some photos a couple of days back and picked the tank up to check underneath and the queen has officially died, all her workers drag her lifeless body around as if there trying to protect it, they continue to forage on the surface even though she has passed away. 

[Deleted]

That's a shame. Sorry to hear that. Hope this won't put you of starting again!