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Written by Marcus Smith
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Monday, 01 October 2007 |
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Its been a few days since I last updated, lots of updates for you.
The TC's are doing fabulously well. I was a little bit concerned about this species when it first arrived. They were extremely shy. There was 1 Queen and 4 workers, and I must admit, I didn't hold out much hope for their long term success. However, today I put a small piece of dead mealworm in with them, and within about 2 minutes there were 5 workers chomping on it. So its obvious to me that they are doing well, even though I cannot see the queen chamber at all. I did make a mistake with these ants at first thinking they were harvester type ants, they are not, and they are more of a scavenger or carrion eaters. So now I know, I will be feeding them lots of mealworms etc.
Disaster, I lost 2 more workers from this set up. They were still managing to get out somehow. So I took the wooden sides of the plaster nest off, and completely siliconed the glass lid in place. Now, if they get out of this then I'm going to be really really upset, because I just cannot see any other way out for them. Anyway, the 18 that were there are now 16 again there is another one just about to turn callow, so I will keep you posted.
They have gone strange on me. They have for some reason decided to move into the tube that connects the farm to the basin. I don't quite know why, but am interested in listening to any theorys. Apart from that, they are doing as well as ever.
Lasius Niger
The one Queen that has laid is now firmly settled into the ant farm, and I can see her and her one worker. Unfortunately one of the workers got stuck in a drop of honey and died. I am upset about this of course but it happens. They are looking good now, and hopefully will turn into a thriving colony. The other queen has still not produced any eggs, I will keep you posted.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 03 November 2007 )
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Written by Marcus Smith
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Friday, 21 September 2007 |
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The LN's
The title says it all. Today I checked on the Lasius Niger in the test tube and found not one but two little callow ants. It was a fine moment indeed. I took off the cotton bung, and put a small dab of honey on the underside, then plugged up the tube again. Lets just say I think the queen was hungary.
Afterwards, I have now transfered the ants and eggs and queen into a brand new ant farm. This time though, I have put them directly into the feeding petridish attached to the farm so that they can make their way into the main farm area when ready.
The MB's
The Messors now number 18, with four new babies over the last few days its going well. Another of the Callows is as big as the biggest older workers, so I think she will be a major. Im really pleased with this colony, and would definately get another one.
The TC's
The Tetramorium Caespitums are still elusive, although yesterday I saw 2 on the surface wandering around. I have not witnessed them drinking or eating yet, but it is still early days. It is a very difficult thing, you want your colony to be as busy as a full grown one, but thats just not the way of it. You have to be patient with ants, they move to their own tune.
The MR's
Still my all time favourites. They continue to thrive. There is however a bit of strange behaviour going on. They have moved from the chambers within the sand up to the surface, and can be found there regularly...don't quite know why. It could be something to do with the humidity within the nest area. Its difficult as I can't get into the nest anymore after having had to sellotape the lid in place.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 03 November 2007 )
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