26 replies to this topic

[camponotuskeeper]

What would be the ideal host species for this? Would it’s own kind work? Does anyone know of good place so in Washington to find these? I really would like to raise this next year so i’m Looking into what I need to do if you ant keepers have any suggestions about this species please feel free to comment.
I know they are slave raiding and I have found colonies of Formica ants in Idaho which were being parasitized by what I believed was this species.

Edited by camponotuskeeper, October 27 2019 - 5:57 PM.

[TennesseeAnts]

They are NOT slave raiding. They are temporary social parasites, and their hosts are serviformica in the fusca complex, or you can supply her with workers from her parent colony.

[camponotuskeeper]

Sorry I knew that but I get confused when it comes to parasitic ants, thank you for correcting me.

[TennesseeAnts]

Lots of ventilation also.

[camponotuskeeper]

Okay thanks, is the ventilation because they spray Formica acid?

[TennesseeAnts]

No, because they release formic acid when disturbed. They spray jets of it at prey and intruders. Horrible stuff to get in your eyes.

[AntsBC]

On the west coast, F. obscuripes flies really early in the year, so keep an eye out for them once April rolls around.  Although I have never personally cared for these guys, multiple people have informed me that dealate queens have trouble opening pupae, so I would recommend introducing workers right away.

 

I actually created a guide on raising parasitic Formica queens a while back; here is the link if you are interested.  If you have any further questions, feel free to send me a private message.

Edited by AntsBC, October 28 2019 - 9:44 AM.

[camponotuskeeper]

They are NOT slave raiding. They are temporary social parasites, and their hosts are serviformica in the fusca complex, or you can supply her with workers from her parent colony.

any specific species? and anyone know good places to find these in Washington state

Edited by camponotuskeeper, October 28 2019 - 10:50 AM.

[Manitobant]

Any of the common black formica species will work.

[TennesseeAnts]

I prefer Formica pacifica workers and pupae. However, out of the 45 queens I've had, only 5 or 6 had trouble opening pupae.

[camponotuskeeper]

Does any Washington ant keepers or former Washington ant keepers know of some good places to find these. Especially if there are some in the blue mountains cause they are near walla walla. Walla Walla’s climate is dry and I don’t think they are in the valley.

[TennesseeAnts]

Take a trip to Marysville. They're EVERYWHERE there. There are a few centennial trails that have nests along the sides. I don't remember the name of my favourite trail though... I'll try to remember.

[camponotuskeeper]

any place on the east side of Washington state?

[TennesseeAnts]

Not that I am aware of. I don't think they even exist over on your side.

[TennesseeAnts]

Nvm. They do, but they're more hard to find.

[camponotuskeeper]

okay, i will try in the blue mountains first. then if nothing turns up i will check that place out.

[TennesseeAnts]

Good luck!

[Tfisupe]

that's my dream species...STILL 0 LUCK finding any on my own or anyone to buy from. I got plenty if aserva and integra tho.
I'm on whidbey island fyi

[TennesseeAnts]

Yeah Whidbey island doesn't seem to have many obscuripes mounds. I did find plenty of aserva, like you said lol.

[camponotuskeeper]

I looked up pictures of this ant species ant they ranged from almost black with a little red to all red except their gaster, which is true or are they both true?

Edited by camponotuskeeper, November 11 2019 - 9:08 AM.