So, as I went on a short anting trip...I went to an area where I always see Pogonomyrmex. Lots of them around. Since it just rained here last night in Southern California...figured it be a good time to get ants (and termites).
Besides the termites I got, I found a P. californicus colony under a rock in the shallow sand of the canal. The sand is only a few inches deep in most areas, so most colonies have very shallow nests and they are easy to get if they decide to nest under the rocks scattered around. The colony isn't too big, only about 30 ants and the queen in total and not much brood (most colonies in this section don't have much brood, there is very little food around, let alone nesting space). I assume like my other Pogonomyrmex colony however, they'll produce TONS of brood once they start eating and settle in. I think right now they have a tiny clutch of eggs and one larvae...so, not much at all.
I hope the colony does good. 
I don't tend to do good with P. californicus to be honest, they die kind of easily on me. Then again, now that I have better housing conditions...maybe my new Pogonomyrmex colony will do good. The garage is always rather warm, and the heat lamp is on them...which, heat seems really important for this genus. My last attempt (last year) I kept them outside, and it was probably too cold for them.
And as for ant formicarium used...I just used an old mayonnaise jar (its plastic) and filled it with sand. Usually works well enough, and its what I had available. 
Edited by Vendayn, April 8 2015 - 3:45 PM.
