119 replies to this topic

[Antennal_Scrobe]

I think the USDA requires permit users to make sure the organisms don't escape, and obviously, even if they didn't, I still wouldn't want to lose my ants.

[ponerinecat]

 

Anyway, I feel like I should ask about how Pseudomyrmex ejectus can be contained, as they seem like they could be escape artists, and I'm not sure how USDA would feel about even workers escaping their enclosure.

I would imagine you'll be fine. They have no chance of surviving up here in the winter. I doubt they can survive temperatures much below freezing, let alone a 4 month hibernation period. South Carolina is pretty much the extent of their northern range.

 

Since they do sting, I would advise applying a barrier around the lip of the tank. Maybe add a lid too.

[Ferox_Formicae]

I'll go ahead and get some pictures posted. And you're right, they are escape artists. I've had entire colonies escape in the past, and I'm pretty sure they're still alive in my room somewhere as I often see workers running around on my wall and even on my bed. They can be contained pretty easily though with talcum powder.

[Antennal_Scrobe]

Do you think a bundle of q-tips would be a good home for them? I know from looking at Alex Wild's photos that they like spaces about as wide as they are long.

Edited by Antennal_Scrobe, December 7 2019 - 4:25 PM.

[Ferox_Formicae]

The pictures have been posted, and yeah, Q-tips would probably would work.

[Antennal_Scrobe]

What is the long piece of tubing shown in the picture for?

[Ferox_Formicae]

It was originally meant to be their nest, but the tubing was too thick. Now it just serves as a feeding chute and a water reservoir (at the end).

[Antennal_Scrobe]

Which types of plants will they nest inside in nature? I'm wondering if it's possible to keep them in a naturalistic setup where they can live and forage on a plant.

[Ferox_Formicae]

I often see them nesting high up in trees, no lower than 2 or 3 meters. That being said, I've seen them nesting inside of Water Oak, Red Maple, White Ash, and a few other oak species. I don't think they're very picky about where they nest however, and you could probably get them to nest in Groundsel Tree, grape vines, or any other hollow twig. Personally, mine are nesting in some hollow Elephant Ear (or what I assume are Elephant Ears) flower stems. Long story short, making a naturalistic setup for them would be a very nice project and they would take to it well. 

[Antennal_Scrobe]

So if I want to do that, I should just find a smallish plant at a local nursery that has hollow twigs. You said you planned on moving them into a special formicarium, do you have an idea on what that would look like yet?

[Antennal_Scrobe]

I think I'll use dead stalks from the Vernonia fasciculata plants in my garden. Either that or vinyl tubing.

Edited by Antennal_Scrobe, December 8 2019 - 7:59 AM.

[Ferox_Formicae]

I'm planning on the new formicarium having a few pieces of wood in it with chambers cut into them, or a naturalistic vivarium if I can find a big enough container. I have $60 to blow, so I think I could get one.

[Ferox_Formicae]

New species and photos added!

[Ferox_Formicae]

 

Anyway, I feel like I should ask about how Pseudomyrmex ejectus can be contained, as they seem like they could be escape artists, and I'm not sure how USDA would feel about even workers escaping their enclosure.

I would imagine you'll be fine. They have no chance of surviving up here in the winter. I doubt they can survive temperatures much below freezing, let alone a 4 month hibernation period. South Carolina is pretty much the extent of their northern range.

 

Actually, Pseudomyrmex ejectus is highly cold tolerant. I've left them in my freezer at subzero temperatures to kill specimens for my collection overnight, and when I took them out, after a few minutes, they popped up and started running around. This is because they overwinter in tiny, thin-walled twigs that offer very little if any protection from the cold. Because of this, they need to be highly cold tolerant.

[TennesseeAnts]

Like Camponotus.

[Ferox_Formicae]

Photos of the Aphaenogaster lamellidens formicarium have been uploaded.

[Ferox_Formicae]

Added new colonies and a notes section under each species!

[Ferox_Formicae]

Big update, Ferox Formicae will be moving to a website! Stay tuned for updates.

[TennesseeAnts]

Can't wait!

[Ferox_Formicae]

New colonies are now available!