4 replies to this topic

[OpenEnigma]

I moved into an apartment that has a ghost ant colony. I'm wondering if it's possible to trick the ghost ant colony into a formicarium, as they live in cracks in walls anyway. They might like a big formicarium with a steady food supply. Has anyone ever tried this?

[ANTdrew]

Tapinoma are highly polydomous, so it’s worth a shot! Provide them somewhere warm, moist, and dark, and maybe they will move in? I’d say no need for a fancy formicarium yet, just put out some test tube set ups and keep them dark. They are polygynous, too, so you’ll only need one queen. That said, the tapinoma sessile that live around me really aren’t that suited to captivity, in my opinion. I raised a queen this summer, and she got a bunch of workers, but they wouldn’t eat anything. I ended up releasing her. Meanwhile the T. Sessile invading my home eat every damn thing my toddler throws about!

[FSTP]

I always wondered if this would work. Give it a try and report back.

[YsTheAnt]

A box of dirt that's moist and easily accessible to them might prompt them to make a nest in it. Wait a few weeks and dump it out and collect as many queens as you can, and you got yourself a new colony.

Edited by YsTheAnt, October 20 2018 - 9:37 AM.

[OpenEnigma]

Thanks everyone - I'll definitely give it a shot. i do like the test tube and dirt box idea. I'll keep you guys posted. They definitely seem to be eating super tiny crumbs that i can't even see, because i see them crawling around after making a sandwich or somethig.