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Post by TenebrousNova on Apr 22, 2018 6:58:48 GMT
Last night I bought a colony of this tropical species from Antsrus, containing two queens and several workers, hopefully arriving in a few days. I have heard great things about this species, which was recommended to me in particular by Chris of Antsrus for their hardiness and fast colony growth. Additionally, Wood's journals of his own colonies were a fascinating read and helped influence my decision. I believe that C. nicobarensis is mostly nocturnal, but I'm a bit of a night owl myself so I should still be able to observe them. I think I read somewhere that they communicate by making tapping sounds, although perhaps I'm mistaking them for another species? As always, feel free to comment.  |
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Post by Wood~Ant on Apr 22, 2018 7:48:09 GMT
Don't be fooled into thinking these girls are nocturnal, as my colony sends out dozens of workers daily to forage; and they drink lots of honey water, as their common name is "sugar ants." Keep them away from strong sunlight in a shady spot and you will find they are diurnal, so you can observe them during the daytime; and yes, they tap their feet to communicate, especially at night as they used to keep Jenny awake.  |
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Post by TenebrousNova on Apr 24, 2018 9:42:35 GMT
Here they are! They're honestly a lot smaller than I expected, but nonetheless I love their colouration and markings. There's two queens, two majors (Which look like they've only eclosed recently) and several workers that are contentedly nibbling at a bit of strawberry protein jelly that's on the cotton. There's a few small balls of eggs and some small larvae.   |
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Post by TenebrousNova on Apr 24, 2018 11:46:12 GMT
I've given the colony a small dead cricket. When the workers were alerted to its presence they started to repeatedly drum their gasters against the test tube glass, causing a tiny tapping sound that was audible when I listened carefully. They've started to eat it now. |
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Post by TenebrousNova on Apr 28, 2018 11:53:43 GMT
The colony seems to be settled in just fine. They're very calm and most of the workers are full of honey.   |
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Post by TenebrousNova on May 5, 2018 21:00:14 GMT
Not a particularly good photo, but I think they're finally taking interest in a cricket.  |
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Post by TenebrousNova on May 22, 2018 15:04:42 GMT
This colony hasn't changed at all since I got them. As far as I can tell none of the brood have grown.
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Post by UKantz on May 22, 2018 20:44:10 GMT
What kind of temperatures are you keeping them at? I find it odd since mine have grown very quickly and I've only been keeping them at room temp. :L
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Post by TenebrousNova on May 22, 2018 21:53:21 GMT
What kind of temperatures are you keeping them at? I find it odd since mine have grown very quickly and I've only been keeping them at room temp. :L Room temperature, same as all my other species. |
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Post by Wood~Ant on May 22, 2018 22:12:47 GMT
This ant species really love honey or sugar water, and will gorge themselves on fruit such as ripe banana or peach. So much so that they often ignore insects until the colony has lots of workers to forage. Offer more sweet food and see if it helps.
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Post by TenebrousNova on May 30, 2018 16:27:19 GMT
The brood has suddenly started to grow, as the larvae are getting bigger now and it seems there's more eggs as well. I'm honestly quite excited to see this colony get larger.
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Post by TenebrousNova on Jun 5, 2018 22:25:43 GMT
One of the larvae has pupated at last. It looks like a few more are also approaching the right size to follow suit.
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Post by TenebrousNova on Jun 9, 2018 12:45:25 GMT
There's now two pupae!
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Post by TenebrousNova on Jun 15, 2018 20:25:35 GMT
There are now three pupae and plenty more eggs have also been laid. I'm surprised at how fast the brood pile is suddenly growing...and also how enormously fat the queen on the right is getting!  Hopefully those cocoons will eclose before long. They will be the first workers born into this colony since I bought them.  |
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Post by tatufmetuf on Jun 15, 2018 21:15:20 GMT
they look good ! very nice colony ! |
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