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What
 | Colony #1
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.26.1215
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Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 50 | 24 | 40 | 25-30 | Unk | |
|
Things are still going well. Colony is starting to move around a bit. Making it hard to get and keep cam on them. Had some problems with condensation as temperatures here in last week dropped back to normal 40's-50's and I had to add the second heat lamp and readjust everything. It's why ants moved and condensation was up. Two days ago I built a new mount for my camera which allows more access and less vibration when I move it. Problem is dang mice seem to be moving it when I sleep! Otherwise it works great. |
| I'm looking to buy a new Indy Cam because I'm beginning to think the one I have is getting flaky. I mean only what 4+ years of continous operation - not bad. Also looking to upgrade everything to version 6.5 of IRIX etc. I'm going to start working on a new server at some point here. Anyway ants are rocking. Finally getting to the next double of 52 workers. Still feeding alternating MSS and FF's and occasional small moth. Colony is definately shifting. Larger workers are coming out into foraging area and they are looking for more territory to explore. The Foraging area is working well I really like them. The only problem is getting access when ants are in there. But turns out after time they will abandon looking at the foraging area. I didn't get a accurate count today of the small larvae. But there is a VL and L larvae spinning. The large just starting the VL been at it a few hours. They are both included in the pupae count which is accurate. So 50W, 24P, 4VL(LL), 4-5M, 25-35SL (guessing I counted about 25 but they are putting larvae on or near spinning pupae so it's hard to check). Also 2 pupae again are about to hatch (1 within 24 hours, the other in next). Also I do see some brood splitting again. They have two levels occupied and three groups. The queen is underneath hanging upside down in the dark with her entorage. I only see one new egg. Yesterday I saw 4-5 new eggs they could be hiding. Queen laying seems to be toning down - being more judicious. I think I need to get them more different protien - moths! or crickets/mealworms etc.. They are massively swollen though so I don't see the problem. Still sucking up MSS reasonably so it's hard to say. Going to add less fruit flies more frequently as well. Last notes setting up the WS (wicking system) with a small cup of water because I can see things drying out a bit. Also ants have expored much of their space I expect at some point here they will start removing material. Looking forward to hitting 100 workers. Probably 6-8 more weeks. |
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What
| Colony #2
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.26.1312
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Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 2 | 3 | 10 | 5 | Unk | |
|
These guys arn't doing well at all. I've been trying to feed them but they arn't responding well. Another worker died a larger one just curled up next to the wad where I put the MSS - it was dry. Now one major and one minor worker. Fortunately we still have 3 pupae so perhaps when those hatch they'll get a bit more aggressive. Feeding has been sparce since they are only two workers now and very timid. Major is only one foraging. MSS and FF's |
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What
| Colony #3
|
Species
| Unidentified
|
Date
| 2002.4.26.1315
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 100 | 0 | 0 | 30 | Unk | |
|
Colony is feeding but I don't see too much action. I suspect they need higher temps to activate active foraging. Also to have something to forage for. Feeding MSS, occasional moth, and FF's live. Can't see inside at all. Actually I did happen to look later and I noticed the queen is still alive, workers are fat, AND one worker had a fairly sizable wad of eggs in it's jaw. Estimate is about 30 eggs perhaps more. So at least they are laying. Also I moved the terrarium into my west facing window so they can catch some sun during the days. Hopefully this will spur more laying. Though shortly here I'm going to try to get them out of this terrarium and into a newer one - need that cotton wicking system and to get rid of the soil as I can't hardly see anything. Chamber and tunnels look really nice though! |
|
What
| Colony #4
|
Species
| Unidentified
|
Date
| 2002.4.26.1315
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | Unk | Unk | |
|
These are a remaing lot of those queens I found. 6 of them. One still has wing fragments (probably infertile) they were in jar with soil and seem to look well. They had a couple of eggs but those were lost in the transferral. I'm tempted to see if a worker would be accepted. I snapped a picture yesterday of three of them in the new claustral setup. Will try to keep notes on these. Total of 6 queens cohabitating. They have organized new chamber and are hanging out. |
|
What
| Colony #5-6
|
Species
| Formica Nitrodiventus
|
Date
| 2002.4.26.1319
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 300 | 0 | 0 | 200 | Unk | |
|
This colony I dug up. It looked like a smaller colony than I thought. But turns out they have 7 queens, and a few hundred workers. I tried soil in the first AC-12x12-W2 but it just didn't work out. They are ok in there but I need to be able to see them. I also figured out they need pretty high temps to forage and also do seem to like fruit flies live and are able to capture them. They really look good. I seperated them into two terrariums as there is someone who may be interested in purchasing a complete colony and terrarium as well as coming to pick it up. So I want to get the remaining colony out of first terrarium and into a second with sawdust which so far seems to be ok to them. Holds moisture well as well. Was thinking of trying a minor plaster adaption for a insert. Maybe later. Anyway at least one of the colonies loks pretty good I hope to get pictures soon. the problem is they are extremely light sensitive. Particularly to the sun which I need for goo pictures.. |
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What
| Colony #1
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.22.0058
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 45 | 24 | 57 | 24-30 | Unk | |
|
I got a pretty accurate count of them today as they moved the brood around. Everything except workers which was tough. Counts ranged from 44-47, 24P (2 of which are spinning as I noted this 1 VL, 1 LL and are included in pupae count). 7LL, 16ML, 43SL, 2 wads of eggs hard to count guessing 24-30. Queen seems to be in egg laying phase but hard to tell. Eggs probably over estimated but impossible to count now. 6 workers mustered to forage. |
|
What
| Colony #1
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.20
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 40 | 20 | 51 | 15 | Unk | |
|
Today 2 new workers hatched. I fed them bits of chopped up large moth which they liked greatly, as well as bits of a chopped up wasp and fake lady bug. Been feeding alternate mix of MSS and FF's and anything else when I can find it. There are definately more eggs about 9 new ones. I'm hopeful the queen is starting a new reproductive egg laying phase. Only time will tell. Looks like I didn't get a accurate small larvae count so total is a estimate. 11 VL, 5LL, 6ML, 25-30SL, 14-15 eggs 9 counted to be new. |
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What
| Colony #1
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.15.2327
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 36 | 23 | 58 | 9 | Unk | |
|
This time they moved the whole brood into the foraging chamber. I moved the tube to where it was hotter and presumably more light. But this didn't stop them. Also problem with video camera cable which is keeping live G2 video down. Anyway I did get to do a full count tonie the above numbers are pretty accurate. I see no dark pupae. A number of larger larvae hav SC'd (spun coccooons) in past 2 days. No real new eggs. I also cleaned completely the foraging area. I put some apple pieces in there. 1/2 were kinda gooey rotten, other 1/2 were fresh and white. Interestingly it attracted Fruit Flies (FF's) about 8, I also put some MSS (Maple syrup multivitamin water solution) on the apple tonite. Also actual counts show. 2 VL, 4LL, 9ML, 43+/-1 SM, 8-9 eggs (2 which are new as before), and of course 36 workers. |
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What
| Colony #1
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.14.1348
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 33 | 22 | 55 | 8 | Unk | |
|
The colony is either getting sensitive to light or to temperature. In past 12 hours they moved about half of their brood into the foraging tube. So I blew into and tapped the tube to get them to move them back. This allowed me a opportunity to get a rather reasonable count of the brood. I note here that there are about 3 very large larvae (should end up being soldiers), 8-10 large larvae, 42 +/-4 small larvae (most close to 1st instar phase), and about 8 eggs (two of which were laid in last couple days). It's starting to get warmer here in michigan. Last couple of days have been near 70F. I fed this colony some more MSS (multivitamin, maple syrup, water solution). I didn't get to see if they ate any. It's clear the ants are looking for a darker place (the light is too intense). I pulled the lights back and turned up the exposure time. We'll see. At some point I'll probably have to switch to my EarthLights to keep heat down. Anyway they are definately looking good. |
|
What
| Colony #2
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.14.1348
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 3 | 3 | Unk | Unk | Unk | |
|
2 of the LL (CS) in last 24 hours. I havn't gotten chance to do a full count of the remaining larvae and eggs. There is 1 LL left currently. I'd like to get to 10-20 workers before allowing this colony to forage outside. Still need to build a foraging area for that as well as a queen restraint. |
|
What
| Colony #3
|
Species
| Unidentified
|
Date
| 2002.4.14.1348
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 100 | 0 | 0 | Unk | Unk | |
|
Still I don't see any eggs. I think this colony doesn't like their current home. What to move them into and how to move them out?? |
|
What
| Colony #1
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.13.1505
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 31 | 23 | 50 | 8 | Unk | |
|
Rough counts are at 3 VL, 5-8 LM-L, 40? SL, 8? Eggs (still saw new one). Earlier I fed them some MSS which they sucked up eagerly. The ants now have a large tunnell exposed to the top of the layers in the terrarium. At one point they moved the whole brood up there when it was dark. I removed the piece obstructing light and they moved them all down again. The larvae are now getting Very Large. In the first 25-30 pupae I only got one vl larvae. Now a couple are forming. Colony is much more robust and looking to explore outside (Enlarge territory) |
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What
| Colony #2
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.13.1505
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 3 | 1 | Unk | Unk | Unk | |
|
There are 3 LL now. Didn't get a chance to count the remaining 1st instar larvae, nor eggs. Trying to feed but this colony is acting sluggishly. Need to make the external foraging area as well as the queen restrictor. Thinking if the workers can forage outside they might get a little bit of pep. |
|
What
| Colony #3
|
Species
| Unidentified
|
Date
| 2002.4.13.1505
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 100 | 0 | 0 | Unk | Unk | |
|
I've been feeding MSS. But I still don't see any eggs yet. |
|
What
| Colony #1
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.12.1840
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 31 | 22 | 60 | 8 | Unk | |
|
Accurate counts getting very hard. I do count 31 workers though, 2-3 LL, 7-9 ML, Unknown SL, and roughly 8 eggs. (only see one new one). Fed them more MSS on a piece of apple. Later roughly 30-50 fruit flies which excited them. |
|
What
| Colony #1
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.11.1233
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 27 | 25 | Unk | 10 | Unk | |
|
I see another worker hatching now. I count 27 workers. Can't count pupae accurately. Also see at least one more larvae spinning coccoon (SC) |
|
What
| Colony #1
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.11.0029
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 26 | 25 | Unk | 10 | Unk | |
|
I only tried to count pupae. Looking like more than 25. I also see 2 large larvae, 3-6 medium and unknown number of small, 8-10 eggs. Error on pupae is about 2. But at least 3 pupae are very dark and should hatch soon (24-48) hours. Theree are 2 more which are darkening. Even so 2002.b2.w1 hatching at this moment. YAY. Fed a single moth and some MSS. More pupae should be hatching soon. |
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What
| Colony #2
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.11.0029
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 3 | 1 | Unk | Unk | Unk | |
|
Feeding MSS only. Queen very FAT, getting Fatter. |
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What
| Colony #3
|
Species
| Unidentified
|
Date
| 2002.4.11.0029
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 100 | 0 | 0 | Unk | Unk | |
|
Moved near light. Added a foraging area. Been spraying water on surface. No eggs but queen is still alive. Feeding fruit flies - this species can't quite catch them alive. |
|
What
| Colony #1
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.8.2348
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 25 | 23 | 55 | 10 | Unk | |
|
I counted 23 pupae but could be 24. Workers somewhere between 25-26, 4 large larvae, 8-11 medium, 40-50 medium to small, 8-12 eggs (possible new ones but not sure). Definately saw 2 larvae spinning coccoons. It also looks like about 1 week more before new brood workers start hatching. Been feeding a bit but took a 2 day break. They sucked up a lot of MSS tonite, some FFs (6-10) and 1 small moth. Now actively feeding. At one point I moved lights closer but this was too warm and ants moved brood down one level where it's still moist and cooler. Moving lights back and they have now brought most (soon all) of the brood back up. Looking good, definately active tonite. Also including a slightly later note (2002.4.9.0048) Queen is getting noticably swollen (a little) perhaps she'll start laying again soon. |
|
What
| Colony #2
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.8.2348
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 3 | 1 | 11 | 30 | Unk | |
|
2 lm larvae, don't have a count on the small, nor the eggs. They are acting sluggish. Feeding some MSS, + 1 FF, added foraging area for feeding. I'm still concerned. We'll see if I can get them going outside. But I'd like to get to at least 10-20 workers first before attempting that. |
|
What
| Colony #1
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.5.2233
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 25 | 21 | Unk | 10 | Unk | |
|
Fed again. They seem to be less interested in MSS, still eating the FF's though. Gave them about 10-15. A whole bunch of larvae are getting larger. Eggs nearly all hatched. More tunnelling. I did see another larvae spin coccoon in the past day. At least 6 workers mustered to forage again. |
|
What
| Colony #2
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.5.2233
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 3 | 1 | 11 | 30 | Unk | |
|
About the same. Gave a bit of MSS and trying small moth. Not really aggressive at all. |
|
What
| Colony #1
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.4.1755
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 25 | 20 | 65 | 12 | Unk | |
|
I've seen another larvae spinning yesterday. Another is spinning right now. Hard to keep accurate counts. 25/26 workers, 19-20 pupae, 4 large/medium larvae, 8 medium larvae, counted 30 small (40-45?), 1 wad of eggs don't see any new ones. Feeding today. First water on the dried up MSS spots on the glass. Noticed they like slurping MSS up off the dead fruit flies. Did this 4-8 drops- some new MSS. Fed a small 1/2" moth which took 4 to take down. Then a hour later added more water drops and MSS and roughly 25 fruit flies. They are hunting them down as I write. 9 workers eating, mustered 6 to forage today. |
Below are some photos of the terrarium I currently have this colony in. On the back side (image on the left below) you can see how I threaded the cotton wick into the sawdust and terrarium to allow for a reasonable distribution of water to keep the humidity up in that section. The center image is a close up of the back of the at that time active section of the colony. The left most image is a close up image of the then active colony area from the front.
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The images below are even closer up. They are pictures of the brood on 2002.4.3. You can clearly recognize the queen some larvae, pupae and a couple of workers.
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What
| Colony #2
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.4.1755
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 3 | 1 | 11 | 30 | Unk | |
|
Transferred the colony into a AC-12x12-W2 Wood terrarium today. Fed some MSS. They are killing the FFs but not eathing them AFAIK. Queen is still very fat, watched her move through 1/4" OD (3/16" ID) tube. (Her gaster even when swollen is very flexible!!) I'm sure 1/8" slot is too small for her to escape through. |
|
What
| Colony #1
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.2.2359
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 25 | 17 | 95 | 10 | Unk | |
|
Ok. Estimates on larvae are about 10 medium/large, 40-50 small (maybe 10-15 small/medium), eggs are nearly gone I see only one small wad left I estimage 10-15 eggs left. Also there are a lot of very tiny larvae which I have no clue how many there are. So the actual larvae total may be off. I just know a lot of eggs have been hatching. I fed again about 12-15 FF's, some MSS. Workers doing more exploratory tunnelling and have finally opened up the main chamber with tunnells. Queen not laying eggs at all, also not swollen at all. Letting terrarium dry as well (slowly). Not adding water via wick. |
|
What
| Colony #2
|
Species
| Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
|
Date
| 2002.4.2.2359
|
Stats
| W | P | L | E | Temp |
| 3 | 1 | 9 | 30 | Unk | |
|
Queen still very fat. Fed 2 FF's and small drop of MSS. Not eating the FF's As far as I know (AFAIK). Letting terrarium dry more. |
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