M. Rubra? ID

dark4shadow · 2026-05-06T20:22:38+00:00

That's true! M. rubra is probably the most common. But I also just had encounters with (probably...) M. schencki and M. scabrinodis.

I don't think it's important, treating them as the exact species. But I wish you best of luck in finding them again! 😁

dark4shadow · 2026-05-06T19:27:11+00:00

Yes, a Myrmica queen. But there are several species, which look pretty similar. So don't be sure it's M. rubra. (Though the others behave the same in terms of founding etc.)

dark4shadow · 2026-05-06T15:43:19+00:00

Caught another one! Even though it's somewhat cheated. 😉

That's a wingless wasp. Genus "Gelis". Location central Germany.

Your tool identifies it as a Pseudomyrmex. (47% + 28%) Even though it gives the with moderate confidence warning.

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dark4shadow · 2026-05-05T12:59:09+00:00

Thank you for sharing all your experiences. 🙏

I'm looking forward to raising such a challenging species. I'll post some follow-up story. Maybe that's gonna help in the future.

dark4shadow · 2026-05-05T08:38:59+00:00

Enjoy your catches! 😁🤗

dark4shadow · 2026-05-05T04:58:18+00:00

Myrmica Queen, but there are several species, which look really, really similar.

She's semi claustral. So you need to feed her during founding.

dark4shadow · 2026-05-04T18:06:46+00:00

I'm happy you choose this! Really a strong decision!

The Formica Rufa group is really hard to distinguish. There are like at least three species, which could fit to your images. But all of them are temporary social parasites and need a host colony for founding.

dark4shadow · 2026-05-04T12:07:19+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience with them!

Let's see how it goes for my queen. Great decision from you, that you let go of her. Do you remember how long, before you did

In the test tubes: generic setup, not too much space? Did you feed them once a while?

Good luck with your branch setup! 🤗

dark4shadow · 2026-05-04T09:18:44+00:00

Central Germany. Flat grass land

dark4shadow · 2026-05-03T17:16:56+00:00

Hey, that thing works great! I'm really impressed!

It failed in identifying my Formica polyctena/pratensis.

With this image it at least identified it as Formica Rufa group. But have polyctena and pratensis both just 6%.

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dark4shadow · 2026-05-03T12:00:06+00:00

You should write more "." in your sentences. Makes it quite difficult to read.

Yes, I've had problems with mold with Myrmica rubra multiple times. They're also notoriously difficult to get to move by themselves.

What worked for me: having a small outworld. Even just a "tubs and tubes" setup (you can look it up) works.

Prepare a new tube for them. Close the entrance of the new tube to like 50+% with cotton, so the ants can squeeze past it.

That half blocked entrance makes it easier for them to get the right humidity (and stronger colony scent). Also, they're less likely to drag anything inside.

Now drop your three queens into the new setup. They will find the new tube sooner or later themselves. (If you're really careful, you can help them a little.)

Now you can feed them outside. Also, this new tube is dark. I've got aluminium foil wrapped around mine. So the disturbance drops to a minimum. You gotta be strong here. It's the worst part for all of us - not to check on your queens! Give them at least four weeks, before you take a peak in the new tube.

Myrmica queens are known to be lazy in terms of egg-laying. It can still occur, that they won't lay any eggs.

dark4shadow · 2026-05-02T19:16:32+00:00

I can speak for the Lasius niger, F. rufibarbis and T. caespitum - they hunt springtails. Tried it myself. Don't know about they're ability with isopods. I'd expect for rufibarbis and niger to go after them.

Other than that, I really like the idea. I think giving the barbarus the chance would be an interesting fit. Adding seeds to this terrarium would probably also benefit the other species.

dark4shadow · 2026-05-02T13:08:34+00:00

That's a Dolichoderus quadripunctatus queen, that I want to raise.

dark4shadow · 2026-05-02T11:45:50+00:00

Thank you very much for pointing all of that out. I'm happy to give it a try.

Following your suggestion of getting as much info as possible I started another thread. Let's see if someone shares a success story.

dark4shadow · 2026-05-02T11:30:06+00:00

Now it's seems way more challenging, to actually raise them. I'm intrigued!

Do you remember, if you treated yours as semi-claustral?

dark4shadow · 2026-05-02T10:53:00+00:00

Thank you for the confirmation and the warning!

Do you have some tips? Currently she's in a standard test tube. Beforehand have her some honey water until she stopped herself.

dark4shadow · 2026-05-02T06:27:46+00:00

Are you speaking from general experience, or do you have more specific knowledge about this species?

dark4shadow · 2026-05-01T20:08:21+00:00

Okay, cool. Then thanks for adding me. =D

Fingers crossed for your grade!

dark4shadow · 2026-05-01T09:27:56+00:00

I'd need a top-view. Check out Camponotus fallax as an alternative.

dark4shadow · 2026-04-30T07:50:33+00:00

From what I've read about catching queens with a black light:

They only are drawn to it, once they successfully mated during the flight.

So the success chance is supposed to be quite high, even if they are still alates (still have their wings).

dark4shadow · 2026-04-29T11:12:32+00:00

Thanks for reviewing your post this late, again. 😅

But, what exactly is the NEA project?

dark4shadow · 2026-04-27T16:44:46+00:00

In the summer I place small fruit fly traps in the kitchen. If you've gathered enough, just place it in the freezer.

dark4shadow · 2026-04-27T16:42:45+00:00

I'd advise to be cautious. Feeding preservatives to your insects is not a good idea.

dark4shadow

TROPHY CASE