Caught a Crematogaster queen

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AwesomeEjz
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Feb 14, 2019 5:24 pm
Location: Austin Texas

Caught a Crematogaster queen

Post: # 55939Post AwesomeEjz
Mon Feb 18, 2019 11:50 am

All right so I caught a Crematogaster queen. and i really want to Learn about them.

could use some tips any will help
:)
Caring for 3 solenopsis invicta 8-) (no eggs yet).

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UnrealSparks
Posts: 192
Joined: Wed Jul 11, 2018 1:45 pm
Location: Turin - Italy

Re: Caught a Crematogaster queen

Post: # 55941Post UnrealSparks
Mon Feb 18, 2019 3:23 pm

Glad to hear that! :)

I read from your previous posts this is your first queen ever, right? If so, do you know how to prepare a proper test tube setup for her? And where are you keeping her at the moment?

Also, a good identification of the ant would be really helpful for better understanding how to care for her. If you don't know how to request an ID here's a little guide from the forum: https://forum.AntsCanada.com/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=10782

If you need help posting pictures on the forum here's another helpful post: https://forum.AntsCanada.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=162

Let me know if you need more informations about what I wrote above.
While waiting for more answers you can feed her either with honey or sugar water (the second one is a bit safer since it's less sticky). A droplet will be enough and don't feed her everyday. Antkeeping is a very patient hobby, so try avoiding to stress her too much by checking on her daily. I know this is going to be hard, but for now leave her alone for a while and let her settle down. :)
Keeping the following colonies:
  • [2x] Camponotus Barbaricus
  • [2x] Lasius Flavus

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AwesomeEjz
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Feb 14, 2019 5:24 pm
Location: Austin Texas

Re: Caught a Crematogaster queen

Post: # 55942Post AwesomeEjz
Mon Feb 18, 2019 3:52 pm

I do know how to make a test tube setup
Caring for 3 solenopsis invicta 8-) (no eggs yet).

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AwesomeEjz
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Feb 14, 2019 5:24 pm
Location: Austin Texas

Re: Caught a Crematogaster queen

Post: # 55943Post AwesomeEjz
Mon Feb 18, 2019 4:22 pm

here are some pics
https://imgur.com/a/hKI4vCF
Caring for 3 solenopsis invicta 8-) (no eggs yet).

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UnrealSparks
Posts: 192
Joined: Wed Jul 11, 2018 1:45 pm
Location: Turin - Italy

Re: Caught a Crematogaster queen

Post: # 55944Post UnrealSparks
Mon Feb 18, 2019 4:30 pm

AwesomeEjz wrote:
Mon Feb 18, 2019 3:52 pm
I do know how to make a test tube setup
Awesome! :)

Then for now, as I said in the previous comment, just let her rest. Once you'll have a proper ID of her you'll be set. You'll be able to understand if she's claustral (doesn't need feeding during the founding stage, since she uses what's left of her wing muscles to produce all the nutrients she needs for her brood) or semi-claustral (she needs to be fed from time to time).

Maybe check from time to time if she starts laying eggs. It could take a couple of hours up to more than a week, so don't worry if she doesn't start laying straight away.

If you have any specific question feel free to ask. ;)
Keeping the following colonies:
  • [2x] Camponotus Barbaricus
  • [2x] Lasius Flavus

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UnrealSparks
Posts: 192
Joined: Wed Jul 11, 2018 1:45 pm
Location: Turin - Italy

Re: Caught a Crematogaster queen

Post: # 55945Post UnrealSparks
Mon Feb 18, 2019 4:46 pm

AwesomeEjz wrote:
Mon Feb 18, 2019 4:22 pm
here are some pics
https://imgur.com/a/hKI4vCF
I checked the pictures you posted, but I can't clearly see the back of her abdomen. Crematogaster sp. usually has a pointy and heart-shaped abdomen, so I'm not sure if this is actually a Crematogaster.

Here's an example of the typical abdomen I'm talking about.

Image
Keeping the following colonies:
  • [2x] Camponotus Barbaricus
  • [2x] Lasius Flavus

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UnrealSparks
Posts: 192
Joined: Wed Jul 11, 2018 1:45 pm
Location: Turin - Italy

Re: Caught a Crematogaster queen

Post: # 55946Post UnrealSparks
Mon Feb 18, 2019 6:00 pm

I'm not an expert about North American ants, since I'm from Europe. But after a bit of digging I found some similarities with Solenopsis Invicta, the Red Imported Fire Ant.

These are two pictures of them.

Image
Image

Here's what I've found:
1) They're present in Austin, Texas.
2) Queens are about 8mm long, and in the first image you provided the size seems to match.
3) Their appearance seems to match, expecially if you look closely, their abdomen color fades from red to black, just like yours in the second picture you provided.

If my ID is correct here are some additional informations:
- They sting, pretty badly, so be careful.
- This species is fully-claustral (so no food is needed until the first workers arrive).
- The workers size ranges from 2mm to 5mm, and they can escape easily from their formicarium (but as long as you'll keep them in a test tube you shouldn't have many problems.
- They are polygynous, meaning you can put together multiple queens and they'll cooperate and get along with eachother.

Maybe you should be waiting for other users to express their opinion about this, just to be 100% sure.

Also, here's a funny "review" I've found about them. Just keep in mind he's joking about their "infamous" reputation. :lol:
http://www.formiculture.com/topic/5993-solenopsis-invicta-care-sheet/
Keeping the following colonies:
  • [2x] Camponotus Barbaricus
  • [2x] Lasius Flavus

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AwesomeEjz
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Feb 14, 2019 5:24 pm
Location: Austin Texas

Re: Caught a Crematogaster queen

Post: # 55948Post AwesomeEjz
Mon Feb 18, 2019 8:28 pm

https://imgur.com/a/hKI4vCF
:shock:
Caring for 3 solenopsis invicta 8-) (no eggs yet).

User avatar
AwesomeEjz
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Feb 14, 2019 5:24 pm
Location: Austin Texas

Re: Caught a Crematogaster queen

Post: # 55949Post AwesomeEjz
Mon Feb 18, 2019 8:42 pm

just wow
that was fast
Caring for 3 solenopsis invicta 8-) (no eggs yet).

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UnrealSparks
Posts: 192
Joined: Wed Jul 11, 2018 1:45 pm
Location: Turin - Italy

Re: Caught a Crematogaster queen

Post: # 55954Post UnrealSparks
Tue Feb 19, 2019 4:57 am

AwesomeEjz wrote:
Mon Feb 18, 2019 8:42 pm
just wow
that was fast
Wow! Yes, that was indeed fast... :lol:
Keeping the following colonies:
  • [2x] Camponotus Barbaricus
  • [2x] Lasius Flavus

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