How to care for Froggattella kirbii

[Jefferyguo]

Hey guys, I've just been told that 2 of my queen ants are Froggattella kirbii. I was wondering if I should be aware of anything whilst raising them. A bit of research has told me they commonly reside in rotten wood and was wondering if that affects my founding chamber.

[Martialis]

It might.. Are they an arboreal or semi-arboreal species?

[Batspiderfish]

Almost every ant can be raised inside of a test tube.

[Martialis]

=Interesting.. I thought that species such as Cephalotes or even semi arboreal ants couldn't be.

[Batspiderfish]

=Interesting.. I thought that species such as Cephalotes or even semi arboreal ants couldn't be.

Semi-arboreal would include the likes of Crematogaster, Lasius alienus, and Aphaenogaster (arguably Camponotus, as well.) Remember that unless somebody succeeds in raising a healthy colony of a given species, there's no way to prove it is a problem with the test tube and not something else. There are just too many variables.

This same logic applies to the "fertility" issue that is frequently brought up with failing queens. Unless there is actual evidence that something is genetically wrong with the queen, or unless there is evidence that she hasn't mated (she was collected inside her mother colony or raised brood that turned out to all be male,) we shouldn't assume that it can't be some other problem.

[Jefferyguo]

It might.. Are they an arboreal or semi-arboreal species?

Froggattella kirbii are arboreal

[Jefferyguo]

Do arboreal species require a special formicarium and special food?

[Batspiderfish]

Do arboreal species require a special formicarium and special food?

Not to the best of my knowledge.