24 replies to this topic

[BeginnerAntKeeper]

Hell, there are even "fast food ants" in New York, specifically ants of the genus Pheidole that have started to revive their lost third worker caste (those ludicrously big-headed supermajors) due to the ridiculous intake of protein from fast food people throw away all the time.

Is there a news article about that? Sounds really interesting I want to find out more

[Gamer700]

The short answer is an emphatic No!!!! You never, ever release captive kept ants.

[1tsm3jack]

If you want your ants to partake in nuptial flights you could place their formicarium in a protected area outdoors, like on your balcony if you have one, and leave the lid of their outworld off and that would give them the environmental que's to fly unlike in your house.

[The_Gaming-gate]

I wouldn’t mind releasing alates. The only valid argument with this would be that you could mess up genetics of a species- technically true- but what if you have a wild caught colony? What if you raise your ants in a vivarium? They certainly have good genes now. If you raise your ants with the intention to release alates, and take proper measures, the genetics of the species will be much less affected.

[Serafine]

I'm just worried about, if u release a big (native) colony in your garden. Wouldn't it take space of other organisms, or would it find a balanced harmony.

Of course releasing a large ant colony in your garden will shake things up quite a bit, how could it not. Also the colony will probably not survive without initial assistance as large colonies normally have existing food sources - your ants will have nothing and will need time to secure them.

But there are examples of people who have successfully released large ant colonies, even working with local wildlife agencies (i do know of two cases with Camponotus vagus and a few others). And on a quick note, it's always better to ask your local wildlife agencies first to be on the safe side - they may even choose to help you, if it's an endagered species like C. vagus.

There's no guarantee the colony will survive of course. You can increase their chances quite a bit by chosing a good spot and providing them some initial assistance, but at some point they have to do on their own. There's also the chance they may become a major annoyance or even a real problem in the future (that's especially true for colonies that like to nest in dry wood or insulation), so be careful with what you wish for.

 

 

 

Is there a news article about that? Sounds really interesting I want to find out more

 

article:

https://www.zmescien...k-food-0523534/

 

study:
https://royalsociety.../rspb.2014.2608