16 replies to this topic

[Derpy]

Can Pogonomyrmex Species, be kept in a vertical mini hearth? I know Pogonomyrmex are generally not great climbers, so I’m wondering if they will still be able to access their foraging area? Any feedback is welcome. Thanks in advance!

Edited by Derpy, December 23 2018 - 9:18 AM.

[FSTP]

No, it doesn't work. 

 

I've tried it with Pogonomyrmex californicus and Pogonomyrmex rugosus and they were never able to get into the top of the out world. I had to connect a separate home made one on the side.

[Derpy]

Thanks for the quick response! I’ll probably move them into the mini hearth and just add another outworld.

[KBant]

you should be able to make it work if you take a wire brush and scratch up the inside of the vinyl tubing that connects to outworld 

 

or

 

take a q-tip, dab in liquid super glue, coat inside of vinyl tube, quickly take some sand and coat inside of tube, and let it dry. 

[FSTP]

you should be able to make it work if you take a wire brush and scratch up the inside of the vinyl tubing that connects to outworld 

 

or

 

take a q-tip, dab in liquid super glue, coat inside of vinyl tube, quickly take some sand and coat inside of tube, and let it dry. 

 

 

 

Why waste time modifying it when you can just order the mini hearth in a configuration that is more sutible for the intended species?  But that would work if you already have the vertical mini hearth.

Edited by FSTP, December 23 2018 - 4:15 PM.

[YsTheAnt]

He already has a vertical one haha which is why he was asking.

[Derpy]

Thank you @KBant, I will definitely give that idea a go!

Edited by Derpy, December 23 2018 - 5:48 PM.

[venator]

It should definitely work, they're not great climbers but they can still climb. I have a lid and baby powder applied to my P rugosus colony outworld because they are able to climb up plexiglass and escape. Plus, the vertical hearth is made of rough materials, so the ants can climb no problem.

[ConBon42]

@Derpy Did any of these work for you?  I accidentally got a vertical Mini Hearth for some Pogonomyrmex Occidentalis not realizing it might be a problem and could stand to know what worked for you?

[Canadian anter]

Pogonomyrmex occidentalis also like to poop on the walls

[FSTP]

Pogonomyrmex occidentalis also like to poop on the walls

 

 

 

It is a behavior I've observed with all the sp  of Pogonomyrmex I've kept. Which includes californicus bicolor and concolorous, maricopa, occidentalis, rugosus, subnitidus….etc

[TennesseeAnts]

My P. occidentalis are doing fine in one.

[vtyler98]

Mack at THA keeps most of the ones I’ve seen in vertical mini hearths without issue. They can climb it just fine, he removes the vinyl tubing I believe. 

[ConBon42]

is removing the vinyl tubing a viable option?  Will that not cause problems?

My P. occidentalis are doing fine in one.

Did you make any modifications?

Edited by ConBon42, October 21 2019 - 4:39 PM.

[TennesseeAnts]

Nope. They have no problems getting up and (mostly) down the tube. Sometimes going down, workers just slide down and land in the nest.

[vtyler98]

is removing the vinyl tubing a viable option? Will that not cause problems?

My P. occidentalis are doing fine in one.

Did you make any modifications?

The vinyl tubing can be removed with a pair of pliers. Or you could also find a small stick and put it down the tube so they have something to grab onto as they climb up it as well.

[sidewinderscott]

mine are doing well in an un-modified one.