Can I, should I, and how? Polygynous

Discussions about the care and keeping of ants

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Mjml87

Can I, should I, and how? Polygynous

Post: # 26263Post Mjml87
Sat Jul 22, 2017 11:53 am

I caught what I was told to be a Formica Rufa queen. So the question is...

Can I have a multiple queen colony?

Should I, is this a good idea?

Lastly how and when? assuming I can find another Formica Rufa queen.

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Batspiderfish
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Re: Can I, should I, and how? Polygynous

Post: # 26305Post Batspiderfish
Sat Jul 22, 2017 2:13 pm

There aren't any Formica rufa in North America, so you should probably make an ID request.
If you enjoy my expertise and identifications, please do not put wild populations at risk of disease by releasing pet colonies. We are responsible to give our pets the best care we can manage for the rest of their lives.

Antsinohio

Re: Can I, should I, and how? Polygynous

Post: # 26339Post Antsinohio
Sat Jul 22, 2017 5:03 pm

Yea there is i just looked at the species distribution map it can be found through north america but it might be a different sub-speices i know its a formica i wouldn't try to mix them together even if they are polygynous

Martialis
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Re: Can I, should I, and how? Polygynous

Post: # 26349Post Martialis
Sat Jul 22, 2017 5:13 pm

Not F. rufa in particular. There are other similar species, though.
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Mjml87

Re: Can I, should I, and how? Polygynous

Post: # 26366Post Mjml87
Sat Jul 22, 2017 7:13 pm

Batspiderfish wrote:
Sat Jul 22, 2017 2:13 pm
There aren't any Formica rufa in North America, so you should probably make an ID request.
I did and the only reply was Formica rufa.

Mjml87

Re: Can I, should I, and how? Polygynous

Post: # 26368Post Mjml87
Sat Jul 22, 2017 7:18 pm

Antsinohio wrote:
Sat Jul 22, 2017 5:03 pm
Yea there is i just looked at the species distribution map it can be found through north america but it might be a different sub-speices i know its a formica i wouldn't try to mix them together even if they are polygynous
^^ as did I, I found the same info. I will heed your advice. No mixing!

My only question left is... since I've read they are a parasitic type of ant, do I have to find workers for her? Or can I test tube her until she lays eggs and raises her own?

Antsinohio

Re: Can I, should I, and how? Polygynous

Post: # 26369Post Antsinohio
Sat Jul 22, 2017 7:38 pm

Dont put workers with her they will fight put in eggs, larvae, or pupae

Mjml87

Re: Can I, should I, and how? Polygynous

Post: # 26370Post Mjml87
Sat Jul 22, 2017 7:49 pm

Copy that. No workers! I assume this species of ant is unprefferred due to the parasitic characteristics of this species.

Martialis
Posts: 1576
Joined: Mon Aug 08, 2016 5:30 pm
Location: Indiana

Re: Can I, should I, and how? Polygynous

Post: # 26371Post Martialis
Sat Jul 22, 2017 8:00 pm

http://antmaps.org/?mode=species&species=Formica.rufa

All collections for F. rufa in the New World are dubious, or probably mistaken. There are look-alikes in North America.
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Batspiderfish
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Re: Can I, should I, and how? Polygynous

Post: # 26377Post Batspiderfish
Sat Jul 22, 2017 9:02 pm

Right, no F. rufa in North America. If she is a social parasite then she will need some pupae.
If you enjoy my expertise and identifications, please do not put wild populations at risk of disease by releasing pet colonies. We are responsible to give our pets the best care we can manage for the rest of their lives.

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