Brand New

[Sephiroud]

Sorry for the rambling ahead of time. My wife and I started watching AC years ago. Recently I was able to get my oldest (8yr old) into AC as well. For the last few months all we have heard is how much he wants an ant colony. The wife and I spoke at length, ans we are ready to get a starter colony and care for them as a family. My wife and I used to have pet snakes and fancy ear rats. When the kids were coming along, we gave them to a reputable breeder we were friends with. My wife still cares for a fish aquarium and hydroponic plants as well as too large of a wall shelf of assorted indoor and outdoor plants.

I have a few questions:
Q1. Where to start with ants. We looked up local species for our area. One was pavement ants. I saw that people generally sell these as 15 to 20 workers, no queen. If I read up correctly on this species it does have a queen. So, one question is, why do farmers sell just workers for this species? We want a native species and the GAN farmers in Knoxville have a few available. Some marked beginner ants. Is there a better starter than others for fresh, repeat fresh, noobs to begin with.

Q2. My home stays at 68 degrees. Like our snakes used to, do the ants need a heater in this temp? I have watched video after video and not 100% sure I do not recall temperature being discussed for the ants. Would this effect which breed to start with? Obviously the local species are able to survive snow. So may be non issue.

Q3. When Ant chosen and temp check okay. Which starter kit to get the chosen species off to a great start. I know most start in test tube. I was looking at getting the 200 dollar ant atarter home kit from AC store. Is too much realestate bad for a new colony? Could always get then block off certain parts until they required it I guess.

Q4. We plan on setting this up in our study near the aquarium. The window in this room can receive daylight varying by season. The aquarium is equipped with blue light. I believe ants are okay with red is blue a no go?

Im sure many more questions to go. But, I am probably more excited than my son is at this point. Thank you for any help.

[SolenopsisKeeper]

Sorry for the rambling ahead of time. My wife and I started watching AC years ago. Recently I was able to get my oldest (8yr old) into AC as well. For the last few months all we have heard is how much he wants an ant colony. The wife and I spoke at length, ans we are ready to get a starter colony and care for them as a family. My wife and I used to have pet snakes and fancy ear rats. When the kids were coming along, we gave them to a reputable breeder we were friends with. My wife still cares for a fish aquarium and hydroponic plants as well as too large of a wall shelf of assorted indoor and outdoor plants.

I have a few questions:
Q1. Where to start with ants. We looked up local species for our area. One was pavement ants. I saw that people generally sell these as 15 to 20 workers, no queen. If I read up correctly on this species it does have a queen. So, one question is, why do farmers sell just workers for this species? We want a native species and the GAN farmers in Knoxville have a few available. Some marked beginner ants. Is there a better starter than others for fresh, repeat fresh, noobs to begin with.

Q2. My home stays at 68 degrees. Like our snakes used to, do the ants need a heater in this temp? I have watched video after video and not 100% sure I do not recall temperature being discussed for the ants. Would this effect which breed to start with? Obviously the local species are able to survive snow. So may be non issue.

Q3. When Ant chosen and temp check okay. Which starter kit to get the chosen species off to a great start. I know most start in test tube. I was looking at getting the 200 dollar ant atarter home kit from AC store. Is too much realestate bad for a new colony? Could always get then block off certain parts until they required it I guess.

Q4. We plan on setting this up in our study near the aquarium. The window in this room can receive daylight varying by season. The aquarium is equipped with blue light. I believe ants are okay with red is blue a no go?

Im sure many more questions to go. But, I am probably more excited than my son is at this point. Thank you for any help.

If you have any more questions, go ahead and post them!

So,
Q1) I would not start with Tetromorium immigrans, only due to their fast growing colonies. When starting ants, you want a moderately fast growing species that is unable to sting, but T. immigrans explode in numbers. I recommend something like Camponotus or Formica, which both are unable to cause significant harm to a human. There is some websites that sell ants, if you are interested.(Also, if don't want Camponotus due to wood chewing behavior, look into some soil dwelling species.

Q2) Okay so yes, and no. Depends what species. Most ants will either one, be dormant, two grow slightly slower, or three not care at all. Most ants in your area hibernate, so you may need to be prepared to keep ants in a fridge or basement for 1-2 months....

Q3) Okay so first, not to talk bad ab AC at all, these nest are way over priced. AC test tubes are signifcantly more expensive than glass tubes, and scratch more. Yes, too much "real estate" is bad as they feel exposed and dont lay eggs or just trash the nest so mold builds up and consumes the brood.

Q4) It is unlikely any ants will get used to sunlght. Camponotus, however, will not be disturbed by average household lights. If you think this will be a problem, you can cover non plastic tubes up with tinfoil and over types with cloth or paper.

Please let me know if you have any more questions,(And listing them neatly)

[Sephiroud]

I was not too keen on carpenter ants for that reason. Apologies, I have to google each ant you name to see what they are to respond. Few follow ups.

Q1. My son mentioned the acrobat ants as one of the local species. I can look more into them. Thoughts?

Q2. Are there any species that dont or cant climb the cases of the terrariums by chance for anti-escape? Again starters. Obviously an opening in a line is free for all escape if they needed to. But dont want my son leavijg lid off after a feeding turning into a possible colony relocation.

Q3. I will have look into other breeders in the area for other species. Are you allowed to link the other sites here?

Not so much a question more clarification. I did not mean to get them used to sunlight. I just didnt want the occasional sunlight to bother them. We leave the overhead and tank light off most of the time as we do not want algae growth in the aquarium. The windows sunlight seems to do the trick.

Thank you for the assistance.

[SolenopsisKeeper]

I was not too keen on carpenter ants for that reason. Apologies, I have to google each ant you name to see what they are to respond. Few follow ups.

Q1. My son mentioned the acrobat ants as one of the local species. I can look more into them. Thoughts?

Q2. Are there any species that dont or cant climb the cases of the terrariums by chance for anti-escape? Again starters. Obviously an opening in a line is free for all escape if they needed to. But dont want my son leavijg lid off after a feeding turning into a possible colony relocation.

Q3. I will have look into other breeders in the area for other species. Are you allowed to link the other sites here?

Not so much a question more clarification. I did not mean to get them used to sunlight. I just didnt want the occasional sunlight to bother them. We leave the overhead and tank light off most of the time as we do not want algae growth in the aquarium. The windows sunlight seems to do the trick.

Thank you for the assistance.

Q1) As an old keeper of acrobat ants, they are okay for beginners as long as you have no problem with the guys climbing on you, fast growing, and a relatively short lifespan(4 years in another keepers experience).

Q2) Yes! None of them aren't local I believe, but Pogonmyrmex occidentalis are deregulated within the US meaning they can be shipped past state borders without permits.(Harvester ants) The only downside is the sting, which many have described as the most painful thing in their life.... But they cannot climb smooth surfaces, Along with Odontomachus(trap jaw ants), which are not in your state.

Q3) It should be okay, but just to be sure I can private message you them if you would like.(Forum's PM system)

Ahh, okay. Most ants can be okay with light after a couple dozen workers, but sensitive species cannot.

Also I am curious on how a GAN farmer in your state got Odontomachus. While looking over you local sellers, I found that they are
1) Selling things not in your state
2) Overpricing more than I can state

If I remember correctly, there is a site with C chromaides much cheaper, but I know you are awaying away from Camponotus. This shops owner is actually on the forum...

https://*** SPAM ***/ants-for-sale/ols/products/camponotus-chromaiodes

I would also like to list some cons and pros of several Genera
Camponotus
-Slow growth
-Formic acid, no sting
-Great variety in diet
-Large
-Long lived
-Non-terrestial species can dig through wood over time, which causes a concern for most owners
-Hibernation/Brumation
-Nocturnal in early stages
-2-3 yr lifespan unless certain "preps" are made in 2nd yr(Urea dont try with small colonies in first yr)
-REALLY polymorphic

Formica fusca groups(Formica subsericea, Formica fusca, Formica argenta, etc)

-Very food accepting
-No sting, formic acid
-Large
-Medium paced growth
-Long lived colonies that can inbreed in some cases
-Hibernation/brumation
-Fast and jumpy

Crematogaster
-Food accepting
-Fast growing relative to other species
-Formic acid
-Really cool flexibility
-Diapause/dormancy
-Smaller size compared to formica

Prenopsis imparis
-Summer hibernation
-Tough to raise in some cases
-Nice repletes
-Smaller than most ants

Odontomachus
-More picky than young children with food
-Daily feedings
-Needs substrate for survival
-Tough sting
-Cool jaw behavior
-You will never see forage until a dozen workers or so(Nocturnal at around 1-2AM)
-Cant climb smooth surfaces
-No carbohydrates needed
-No documented lifespan within captivity

Pogonmyrmex
-Seed eaters
-Requires specific nesting requirements
-Needs heat
-Sting
-Cant climb smooth surfaces
-10 yr lifespan

Solenopsis
-Crazy fast growers
-TINY in most but medium in others
-BAD STING in medium sized species
-Escape artist
-4 Yr lifespan
-Small species 1-3yr lifespan

Pheidole
-Whoa majors!
-Some seed eaters in mature colonies
-SMALLER than Solenopsis
-Common
-Usually cheap
-No sting

Colobopsis
-Wow look at em cork like heads
-Cool coloration-
-Common
-Medium growth if I remember
-Medium species
-Diapause/brumation/dormancy/hibernation
Lasius(Non parasitics)
-Slower growth
-Kinda small if you ask me
-Very food accepting
-Hibernation



I would also like to state that many other genera are out there that is not listed.

Also, I recommend letting whomever will be caring for the ants do a bit of reading on desired genera/species. I also recommend maybe walking for ants right before sunset because sometimes, you will spot a queen!

Probably a good idea to look at some of these
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S8NGb1Kyu8&list=PL5xsVo0QL3XAPJAPg_yEYAJVRTSjufRKX




Also, if you like any genera that you want info on, Please let me know, I keep about 7-12 genera and love all of them except Solenopsis invicta.

Also what's your opinion on feeder insects like crickets, mealworms, and flightless flies?


Any species you have your eye on look up like this on google

EX, for Camponotus floridanus

"Camponotus floridanus antwiki"

Antwiki is very helpful and can teach you alot about the ants orgins, diet, and nesting.

[Sephiroud]

So, we became incredibly busy last few months. Things are winding down for summer vacation now. My son has actually managed to find a Queen a few days ago. During the time from of us moving her from the container (Tupperware) to a test tube (harder to find that I thought they would be) yesterday, she made a small clutch of eggs (dozen-ish; very small hard to count). She is now in staying in a small Tupperware lid where she felt secure enough to lay her eggs, I then placed the lid in a larger Tupperware container w secured lid. I have made 2 water test tubes (thanks AC videos) available in the container but she is not moving to them and I did not know exactly the safest way to get her into the test tube w her eggs. No idea what she is or what to expect at this time. My wife and son believe her to be a black garden ant? My issue has now become we leave for vacation tomorrow and she is not in her test tube. I am afraid she will suffocate in the Tupperware containers for the week we are gone (we come back June 2nd). We have been opening the container 3 times a day to allow fresh air in while finding the test tubes. SolenopsisKeeper any wisdom to share on this would be greatly appreciated.

[Antloverhuman]

You can cut a small hole in the lid and stuff it with cotton so the ants won't escape and air can still pass through.
SolenopsisKeeper rarely logs on the forum now so you can send him a private message.
For identification you can use imgur or google photos and share their photo as a link here

[Sephiroud]

Hello Antloverhuman,

Thank you I do not know why that did not dawn on me. Just like the test tube setup they wont remove the cotton. We are thinking of going to our aquarium store and getting a "island" setup and leaving her in the center of it. I have been wanting an aquarium for my upstairs room where we are going to setup the ant colony as well. My wife has several aquariums but I wanted one that was more island like and surrounded with water to prevent escape (open air colony). I have a picture but couldn't figure out how to post here. I click the IMG optiona nd it does the <img></img> but wont let me add pic. Forum illiterate I guess.

https://imgur.com/LE9VRl9

Here is a pic with her super super tiny eggs. Iirc you can not see the large cluster of eggs in that photo. She is tending to them regularly and hard to get a picture.

[antperson24]

Hello Antloverhuman,

Thank you I do not know why that did not dawn on me. Just like the test tube setup they wont remove the cotton. We are thinking of going to our aquarium store and getting a "island" setup and leaving her in the center of it. I have been wanting an aquarium for my upstairs room where we are going to setup the ant colony as well. My wife has several aquariums but I wanted one that was more island like and surrounded with water to prevent escape (open air colony). I have a picture but couldn't figure out how to post here. I click the IMG optiona nd it does the <img></img> but wont let me add pic. Forum illiterate I guess.

https://imgur.com/LE9VRl9

Here is a pic with her super super tiny eggs. Iirc you can not see the large cluster of eggs in that photo. She is tending to them regularly and hard to get a picture.

You could use a cotton swab to move her and her brood. It will be hard to identify her without photos from different angles, but I can tell you she is not Lasius neoniger.

[antperson24]

Hello Antloverhuman,

Thank you I do not know why that did not dawn on me. Just like the test tube setup they wont remove the cotton. We are thinking of going to our aquarium store and getting a "island" setup and leaving her in the center of it. I have been wanting an aquarium for my upstairs room where we are going to setup the ant colony as well. My wife has several aquariums but I wanted one that was more island like and surrounded with water to prevent escape (open air colony). I have a picture but couldn't figure out how to post here. I click the IMG optiona nd it does the <img></img> but wont let me add pic. Forum illiterate I guess.

https://imgur.com/LE9VRl9

Here is a pic with her super super tiny eggs. Iirc you can not see the large cluster of eggs in that photo. She is tending to them regularly and hard to get a picture.

Also, about the image, you need to paste the image address in between them. Also, make sure you use brackets instead of these: < >

[SolenopsisKeeper]

Hello Antloverhuman,

Thank you I do not know why that did not dawn on me. Just like the test tube setup they wont remove the cotton. We are thinking of going to our aquarium store and getting a "island" setup and leaving her in the center of it. I have been wanting an aquarium for my upstairs room where we are going to setup the ant colony as well. My wife has several aquariums but I wanted one that was more island like and surrounded with water to prevent escape (open air colony). I have a picture but couldn't figure out how to post here. I click the IMG optiona nd it does the <img></img> but wont let me add pic. Forum illiterate I guess.

https://imgur.com/LE9VRl9

Here is a pic with her super super tiny eggs. Iirc you can not see the large cluster of eggs in that photo. She is tending to them regularly and hard to get a picture.

T. immirgans or some other large Pheidole. I highly doubt the latter. Antloverhuman I see you...