Hi peeps, just a little update today.

Tetramorium Caespitum

I was truly astonished today.  Over the last two nights, the tetramoriums have been busy...ahem...rearranging their farm area.  They have been busy digging a tunnel from the left side of the farm to the middle. The excavated sand has been steadily piling up on the top of the surface.  Its true that these guys really do excavate their world alot.

What did surprise me though was the sheer number of them.  There are easily over 30 of these little fellows.  I just couldn't believe how well these girls are doing.  After starting with just five of them, and the queen, I was quite worried that they would not survive.  I was wrong.  They are doing so well Im chuffed.

I will of course put some photos up soon.  Well thats as soon as I fix my camera LOL.  They really seem to enjoy the dried meal worms that I put in the tank for them.  I put some in earlier today, and within 5 minutes of that, there were up to 20 TC's on the food.  They are very clever.  They take the joints of the meal worms, and leave the hard shell behind.  I love them.

Myrmica Ruginodis

A few deaths recently in this colony.  I don't believe there is anything wrong with them, I just think they are natural deaths of the first brood.  They are still thriving with loads of new eggs.  They queen is always showing herself.  The excavations have largely stopped now, probably a slowing of activity in the run up to their natural overwinter.

Lasius Niger

The queen is now accompanied by 3 workers, and this is a great relief because again I was worried that this wild caught queen wouldnt pull through.  Time will tell, but Im hoping for the best.

Messor Barbarus

Again there are now 18 ants.  I suffered a number of escapes, which incidently I never found wandering around the house...Hopefully now that I have plugged the escape ruite the numbers will increase again.

Im going to order some more ants now, so will let you know as soon as they arrive.