Camponotus Pennsylvanicus Journal | By AntsOntario
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2018 2:13 am
Hello,
Today I have decided to document the growth of one of the Camponotus Queens I have caught this season. I have noticed that several ant keepers start the colonies journey, but it never continues (myself included). I will try to be consistent with my updates, and if I ever take too long don't be afraid to let me know.
There is a lot to cover since I am not documenting this colony during the founding stage. It was nothing crucial, they had a pretty regular upbringing.
Camponotus Queen Information:
- Caught May 30th
- Was never fed
- Was never checked up on
- Produced first workers on July 5th. (2)
I had left this colony alone in a closet because I had a few other queens that I had decided to experiment with this time around. I checked on one queen every day, and this queen was never checked at all, and they both received workers at relatively the same time. Therefore meaning growth is not always dependant on checkups. This is not always the case though because I find that some queens are just more sensitive to light than others.
Anyway, I am getting off track.
On July 5th, this colony had approximately 2 workers, 8 pupa remaining and 8 new eggs. She received 2 more workers on July 8th. It seemed apparent these workers were enclosing like twins. Never 3 or just 1, always 2 workers.
As of now (July 29th) this colony has 10 minor workers, 1 median worker, 10+ Pupa, 15 second instar larva and at least 25 eggs.
Now, I have never had a colony so successful like this one. I am noticing they eat more too. Since their 5th worker enclosed I have been feeding them a medium cricket a day and they always have honey in their outworld. That encouraged the queen and shortly after her abdomen was literally bursting from the seams. I thought she was just sneaking out in the Outworld to fill up on honey, but I was wrong! She was full of eggs and now they have tons of brood. However, once finished with their food they do not remove it and now the floor of their AntsAustralia size 1 Ytong nest is full of cricket legs. These ants are so dirty and I don't even know how to clean it up!
I am also noticing some larger pupa so I expect some more median workers and possibly a major to be enclosing due to all of this protein I have been providing. Anyway, that's been a lot of talking, now time for questionably the best part of these journals; the pictures.
When I just caught her
8 Workers
I have not taken any updated pictures because I fear that the queen will not lay to her full potential. Do not worry though, pictures will be on the way soon.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this so far. If you have any questions/comments/concerns I'd love to pass on advice while growing and learning more about the species.
*DISCLAIMER* These posts will all include large pictures because 1. I believe it provides the best viewing experience and secondly, I am not even aware of how to make them smaller haha. I just get them off of my instagram.. I'm still learning.
Today I have decided to document the growth of one of the Camponotus Queens I have caught this season. I have noticed that several ant keepers start the colonies journey, but it never continues (myself included). I will try to be consistent with my updates, and if I ever take too long don't be afraid to let me know.
There is a lot to cover since I am not documenting this colony during the founding stage. It was nothing crucial, they had a pretty regular upbringing.
Camponotus Queen Information:
- Caught May 30th
- Was never fed
- Was never checked up on
- Produced first workers on July 5th. (2)
I had left this colony alone in a closet because I had a few other queens that I had decided to experiment with this time around. I checked on one queen every day, and this queen was never checked at all, and they both received workers at relatively the same time. Therefore meaning growth is not always dependant on checkups. This is not always the case though because I find that some queens are just more sensitive to light than others.
Anyway, I am getting off track.
On July 5th, this colony had approximately 2 workers, 8 pupa remaining and 8 new eggs. She received 2 more workers on July 8th. It seemed apparent these workers were enclosing like twins. Never 3 or just 1, always 2 workers.
As of now (July 29th) this colony has 10 minor workers, 1 median worker, 10+ Pupa, 15 second instar larva and at least 25 eggs.
Now, I have never had a colony so successful like this one. I am noticing they eat more too. Since their 5th worker enclosed I have been feeding them a medium cricket a day and they always have honey in their outworld. That encouraged the queen and shortly after her abdomen was literally bursting from the seams. I thought she was just sneaking out in the Outworld to fill up on honey, but I was wrong! She was full of eggs and now they have tons of brood. However, once finished with their food they do not remove it and now the floor of their AntsAustralia size 1 Ytong nest is full of cricket legs. These ants are so dirty and I don't even know how to clean it up!
I am also noticing some larger pupa so I expect some more median workers and possibly a major to be enclosing due to all of this protein I have been providing. Anyway, that's been a lot of talking, now time for questionably the best part of these journals; the pictures.
When I just caught her
8 Workers
I have not taken any updated pictures because I fear that the queen will not lay to her full potential. Do not worry though, pictures will be on the way soon.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this so far. If you have any questions/comments/concerns I'd love to pass on advice while growing and learning more about the species.
*DISCLAIMER* These posts will all include large pictures because 1. I believe it provides the best viewing experience and secondly, I am not even aware of how to make them smaller haha. I just get them off of my instagram.. I'm still learning.