The AntsCanada Ant Forum's

Hello.....my son is getting into ants right now and so I am as well...this has been so much fun so far....I think I am at a point where help is needed...i have an ant in a testtube......is it a queen? I think so....and the species...formica?? I am unsure what to do from here. I have read alot of useful information but I would love some advice....lets start with the two questions posed... found yesterday on the side of a garbage can at the beginning of a pier out to the lake. woods around. caught in the afternoon.

I attached a pic...and drag and dropped same pic....dont see it here....back to the drawing board.

Here’s how to post pics: https://youtu.be/c1Mu4Rw3s8w

thanks...i had just watched the video....you guys rock!!!! Hope the pic helps others help me.


The ant is appx 7 to 8 mm long. but dont quote me on that ...i guessed about 3/8 inch.

hmmm looks almost like myrmica to me. maybe batspiderfish can help on this one. She definetly looks semi claustral.

Looks to be a Pogonomyrmex sp.

Pogomyrmex Good For Beginners Until A Year Or Two

thank you kindly for the reply.....it sounds like Pogomyrmex for the win.....any care tips for the species?? My plan is to leave queen alone until there are workers.....and then put the tube in a small aquarium that is set up with loose slightly damp dirt, rocks, a piece of driftwood....am i on the right track here? Also just to clarify....does she look like a queen for sure? Thank you all very much for the help...my son is 8...and he and I go all in on projects like this...especially ones that allow me to teach for years!!

I am kind of afraid to ask...but why are they good for beginners until a year or two? What happens then?