The AntsCanada Ant Forum's

Well, she's probably not hibernating because you are not keeping her cold. She may be sluggish because she is supposed to be hibernating but she is probably confused and started laying eggs assuming that the warmth means Spring is here.

There's lots of lasius alienus on Vancouver Island at least. I've had trouble getting this species to start a colony but other keepers have had success.

I look at the max and min outdoor temp and then average it out, assuming underground has a moderating effect on temp. So, for West coast of bc, works out to about 8-10C

I have formica podzolica and have produced colonies over the last few years. They won't typically lay eggs till next Spring. You don't need to feed them till then. In fact, I have tried giving them honey after hibernation and they won't eat it. Once there is about 1/2 dozen workers around May of nex...

I keep Formica podzolica and have successfully started colonies when the Queen hasn't laid any eggs till the following Spring.

Probably Formica. I'm just above WA on Vancouver Island and they are flying now. Caught 9 myself.

harry7778 wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 29, 2017 10:06 am

I'm sorry that you didn't have any luck with your Lasius, which Lasius type was it? I'm pretty sure I have Lasius Neo-Niger.

Lasius alienus. I collected 30 queens but 25 of them were infected with fly larvae. Out of the other 5 I only have 1 with nanitics and eggs.

Whenever you find Queens, make note of the temperature, whether it rained the day before, and the time you found them. I find the Nuptial flights where I live are based on temperature since we don't get any rain in the summer. Good luck with lasius, I haven't had much luck with mine.

Allaric wrote: ↑

Tue Jul 18, 2017 8:26 am

Format is YYYY-MM-DD

Because everyone uses that format. Mods, can you add this format description to the signup page so it isn't such a mystery?

At the very least, they should have this post pinned.

You'd probably have more success trying to sell them (legally) on forums like Formiculture or Facebook groups. Thanks. Also, seriously? Species: Unidentified black ant species Colony size: 2+ workers Housing: Glass bottle Price: $20 USD each, $50 for all 3 colonies Number of colonies: 3 Unidentifie...