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SoDak (Society of Dakotan Ant Keepers) Official Ant Keeping Thread

Started By RushmoreAnts , Feb 14 2020 2:44 PM
ant keeping south dakota camponotus formica lasius solenopsis molesta aphaenogaster tetramorium pogonomyrmex occidentalis myrmica ponera brachymyrmex

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234 replies to this topic

#141 Offline TennesseeAnts - Posted September 25 2020 - 7:30 AM

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I captured a couple of queens early last week and did the typical test tube set up. I believe they are Lasius Neoniger (I'm in Pierre if that helps with the identification) and I've been reading that they need hibernation. So I have questions about that. How should I do that, when should I start it and for how long?

Well for starters, neoniger will not rear their first workers before hibernation in temperate regions, and will lay come spring. Being South Dakota I would recommend sticking them in a refrigerator or a cooler in your garage starting in early to mid October up through early March (you could technically go through April, but taking them out in March is fine). 

 

Ha! That's what you think! My L. neoniger are already getting their first nanitics!  :lol:

 

I have found that they will usually get their nanitics before winter only if you put them in a dirt setup, which i would recommend to amerikanstrum.

 

Mine're in simple tubes.


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#142 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted September 25 2020 - 7:55 AM

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I captured a couple of queens early last week and did the typical test tube set up. I believe they are Lasius Neoniger (I'm in Pierre if that helps with the identification) and I've been reading that they need hibernation. So I have questions about that. How should I do that, when should I start it and for how long?

Well for starters, neoniger will not rear their first workers before hibernation in temperate regions, and will lay come spring. Being South Dakota I would recommend sticking them in a refrigerator or a cooler in your garage starting in early to mid October up through early March (you could technically go through April, but taking them out in March is fine). 

 

Ha! That's what you think! My L. neoniger are already getting their first nanitics!  :lol:

 

I have found that they will usually get their nanitics before winter only if you put them in a dirt setup, which i would recommend to amerikanstrum.

 

Mine're in simple tubes.

 

i have tried that for years, and it never seems to work. the queens just get eggs and then die after winter.


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Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. -Proverbs 6: 6-8

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#143 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted September 25 2020 - 8:10 AM

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Hi guys! I'm new here and new to formiculture but I've been watching YouTube videos for a while (mostly AntsCanada) and decided it would be cool to get into. I captured a couple of queens early last week and did the typical test tube set up. I believe they are Lasius Neoniger (I'm in Pierre if that helps with the identification) and I've been reading that they need hibernation. So I have questions about that. How should I do that, when should I start it and for how long?

also, i would post pics if you can. we would love to confirm the identification!


Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. -Proverbs 6: 6-8

My Nationwide Ant Shop Here I have PPQ-526 permits to ship ants nationwide

Attention Ant-Keepers in South Dakota! Join the SoDak(Society Of Dakotan Ant Keepers)

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#144 Offline amerikansturm - Posted September 27 2020 - 6:08 PM

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Hi guys! I'm new here and new to formiculture but I've been watching YouTube videos for a while (mostly AntsCanada) and decided it would be cool to get into. I captured a couple of queens early last week and did the typical test tube set up. I believe they are Lasius Neoniger (I'm in Pierre if that helps with the identification) and I've been reading that they need hibernation. So I have questions about that. How should I do that, when should I start it and for how long?

also, i would post pics if you can. we would love to confirm the identification!

 

Hi here are some pics and as I mentioned in my message, would I just do regular dirt, place them on top and let them dig and then use the pipette to put water in on top? reason I ask is because I did scoop up dirt with one of the queens and she buried herself in but then I realized she didn't have water so I moved her.
https://www.formicul.../21575-topview/

https://www.formicul...21574-sideview/


Edited by amerikansturm, September 27 2020 - 6:10 PM.

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There are four things which are little on the earth,
But they are exceedingly wise:
The ants are a people not strong,
Yet they prepare their food in the summer

Proverbs 30:24-25 NKJV

#145 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted September 28 2020 - 5:12 AM

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Hi guys! I'm new here and new to formiculture but I've been watching YouTube videos for a while (mostly AntsCanada) and decided it would be cool to get into. I captured a couple of queens early last week and did the typical test tube set up. I believe they are Lasius Neoniger (I'm in Pierre if that helps with the identification) and I've been reading that they need hibernation. So I have questions about that. How should I do that, when should I start it and for how long?

also, i would post pics if you can. we would love to confirm the identification!

 

Hi here are some pics and as I mentioned in my message, would I just do regular dirt, place them on top and let them dig and then use the pipette to put water in on top? reason I ask is because I did scoop up dirt with one of the queens and she buried herself in but then I realized she didn't have water so I moved her.
https://www.formicul.../21575-topview/

https://www.formicul...21574-sideview/

 

That is exactly correct to how you water them. also, those pics look like lasius neoniger to me, so good identification!


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Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. -Proverbs 6: 6-8

My Nationwide Ant Shop Here I have PPQ-526 permits to ship ants nationwide

Attention Ant-Keepers in South Dakota! Join the SoDak(Society Of Dakotan Ant Keepers)

My Formica sp. Journal

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My Micro Ants Journal

My Pogonomyrmex occidentalis Journal

#146 Offline amerikansturm - Posted September 28 2020 - 3:17 PM

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Hi guys! I'm new here and new to formiculture but I've been watching YouTube videos for a while (mostly AntsCanada) and decided it would be cool to get into. I captured a couple of queens early last week and did the typical test tube set up. I believe they are Lasius Neoniger (I'm in Pierre if that helps with the identification) and I've been reading that they need hibernation. So I have questions about that. How should I do that, when should I start it and for how long?

also, i would post pics if you can. we would love to confirm the identification!

 

Hi here are some pics and as I mentioned in my message, would I just do regular dirt, place them on top and let them dig and then use the pipette to put water in on top? reason I ask is because I did scoop up dirt with one of the queens and she buried herself in but then I realized she didn't have water so I moved her.
https://www.formicul.../21575-topview/

https://www.formicul...21574-sideview/

 

That is exactly correct to how you water them. also, those pics look like lasius neoniger to me, so good identification!

 

Thanks!


  • Ants_Dakota likes this

There are four things which are little on the earth,
But they are exceedingly wise:
The ants are a people not strong,
Yet they prepare their food in the summer

Proverbs 30:24-25 NKJV

#147 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted September 28 2020 - 3:44 PM

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Hi guys! I'm new here and new to formiculture but I've been watching YouTube videos for a while (mostly AntsCanada) and decided it would be cool to get into. I captured a couple of queens early last week and did the typical test tube set up. I believe they are Lasius Neoniger (I'm in Pierre if that helps with the identification) and I've been reading that they need hibernation. So I have questions about that. How should I do that, when should I start it and for how long?

also, i would post pics if you can. we would love to confirm the identification!

 

Hi here are some pics and as I mentioned in my message, would I just do regular dirt, place them on top and let them dig and then use the pipette to put water in on top? reason I ask is because I did scoop up dirt with one of the queens and she buried herself in but then I realized she didn't have water so I moved her.
https://www.formicul.../21575-topview/

https://www.formicul...21574-sideview/

 

That is exactly correct to how you water them. also, those pics look like lasius neoniger to me, so good identification!

 

Thanks!

 

you really have no idea how excited to have another member from South Dakota. I know all the other ones really well. Hopefully you are on formiculture a once in a while, and learn lots of new things like i did!


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Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. -Proverbs 6: 6-8

My Nationwide Ant Shop Here I have PPQ-526 permits to ship ants nationwide

Attention Ant-Keepers in South Dakota! Join the SoDak(Society Of Dakotan Ant Keepers)

My Formica sp. Journal

My Lasius sp. Journal

My Micro Ants Journal

My Pogonomyrmex occidentalis Journal

#148 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted October 6 2020 - 4:40 PM

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saw a lasius neoniger queen yesterday. claviger still not swarming, though.


Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. -Proverbs 6: 6-8

My Nationwide Ant Shop Here I have PPQ-526 permits to ship ants nationwide

Attention Ant-Keepers in South Dakota! Join the SoDak(Society Of Dakotan Ant Keepers)

My Formica sp. Journal

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#149 Offline Ants4fun - Posted October 6 2020 - 4:43 PM

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saw a lasius neoniger queen yesterday. claviger still not swarming, though.


Some L. Claviger already flew!

Edited by Ants4fun, October 6 2020 - 4:46 PM.

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#150 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted October 6 2020 - 4:46 PM

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saw a lasius neoniger queen yesterday. claviger still not swarming, though.


Some L. Claviger already flew!

 

what! did you get any queens!


Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. -Proverbs 6: 6-8

My Nationwide Ant Shop Here I have PPQ-526 permits to ship ants nationwide

Attention Ant-Keepers in South Dakota! Join the SoDak(Society Of Dakotan Ant Keepers)

My Formica sp. Journal

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My Micro Ants Journal

My Pogonomyrmex occidentalis Journal

#151 Offline Ants4fun - Posted October 6 2020 - 4:48 PM

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No, didn’t get the chance, but they usually fly the same time as L. Neoniger and can often be found around them. I saw a few of them during the big L. Neoniger flight.
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#152 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted October 6 2020 - 6:05 PM

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No, didn’t get the chance, but they usually fly the same time as L. Neoniger and can often be found around them. I saw a few of them during the big L. Neoniger flight.

that we missed. do you have any extra lasius?


Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. -Proverbs 6: 6-8

My Nationwide Ant Shop Here I have PPQ-526 permits to ship ants nationwide

Attention Ant-Keepers in South Dakota! Join the SoDak(Society Of Dakotan Ant Keepers)

My Formica sp. Journal

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#153 Offline RushmoreAnts - Posted October 7 2020 - 6:07 AM

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No, didn’t get the chance, but they usually fly the same time as L. Neoniger and can often be found around them. I saw a few of them during the big L. Neoniger flight.

Did it happen around the same time it does every year? 

 

do you have any extra lasius?

I second this.  :D


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"God made..... all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds (including ants). And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:25 NIV version

 

Keeping:

Tetramorium immigrans

Formica cf. pallidefulva, cf. incerta, cf. argentea

Formica cf. aserva, cf. subintegra

Pogonomyrmex occidentalis

Pheidole bicarinata

Myrmica sp.

Lasius neoniger, brevicornis

#154 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted October 7 2020 - 6:31 AM

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No, didn’t get the chance, but they usually fly the same time as L. Neoniger and can often be found around them. I saw a few of them during the big L. Neoniger flight.

Did it happen around the same time it does every year? 

 

do you have any extra lasius?

I second this.  :D

 

we need lasius!!!


Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. -Proverbs 6: 6-8

My Nationwide Ant Shop Here I have PPQ-526 permits to ship ants nationwide

Attention Ant-Keepers in South Dakota! Join the SoDak(Society Of Dakotan Ant Keepers)

My Formica sp. Journal

My Lasius sp. Journal

My Micro Ants Journal

My Pogonomyrmex occidentalis Journal

#155 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted October 15 2020 - 11:13 AM

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i did a bit of updating to my first post to make it easier for new south dakotan ant keepers to see when ants fly. can you edit your first post so it looks really good, AntsDakota?


Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. -Proverbs 6: 6-8

My Nationwide Ant Shop Here I have PPQ-526 permits to ship ants nationwide

Attention Ant-Keepers in South Dakota! Join the SoDak(Society Of Dakotan Ant Keepers)

My Formica sp. Journal

My Lasius sp. Journal

My Micro Ants Journal

My Pogonomyrmex occidentalis Journal

#156 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted October 15 2020 - 5:37 PM

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really like the updated first post, AntsDakota!


Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. -Proverbs 6: 6-8

My Nationwide Ant Shop Here I have PPQ-526 permits to ship ants nationwide

Attention Ant-Keepers in South Dakota! Join the SoDak(Society Of Dakotan Ant Keepers)

My Formica sp. Journal

My Lasius sp. Journal

My Micro Ants Journal

My Pogonomyrmex occidentalis Journal

#157 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted July 17 2021 - 4:33 PM

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Well, I am on a camping trip right now, and on the first day I have caught 2 monomorium minimum queens, and a formica subsericea queen! 3 days left to go... let's hope for some more queens! Anyone have any ideas of what other queens are flying right now?
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Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. -Proverbs 6: 6-8

My Nationwide Ant Shop Here I have PPQ-526 permits to ship ants nationwide

Attention Ant-Keepers in South Dakota! Join the SoDak(Society Of Dakotan Ant Keepers)

My Formica sp. Journal

My Lasius sp. Journal

My Micro Ants Journal

My Pogonomyrmex occidentalis Journal

#158 Offline ANTdrew - Posted July 18 2021 - 3:10 AM

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Excellent findings!
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"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.

#159 Offline amerikansturm - Posted January 29 2022 - 1:23 PM

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Hey guys, I’m a little worried about my Tetra colony… it’s my first overwinter. Wife won’t let the ants in the house so I’ve got them in our garage with a thermostat sensor taped to the side of the tube and heating pad inside a 2.5 gal aquarium I found laying around. I have the temp to keep it about 40 in that tank. Been checking on them about once a month and changing out their sugar water and protein. The queens still alive and looks like about half a dozen brood or so but I’m pretty sure only one worker is alive and before the hibernation started there were 6. Is this normal? I know the conditions of hibernation aren’t ideal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

There are four things which are little on the earth,
But they are exceedingly wise:
The ants are a people not strong,
Yet they prepare their food in the summer

Proverbs 30:24-25 NKJV

#160 Offline amerikansturm - Posted January 29 2022 - 2:06 PM

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Hey guys, I’m a little worried about my Tetra colony… it’s my first overwinter. Wife won’t let the ants in the house so I’ve got them in our garage with a thermostat sensor taped to the side of the tube and heating pad inside a 2.5 gal aquarium I found laying around. I have the temp to keep it about 40 in that tank. Been checking on them about once a month and changing out their sugar water and protein. The queens still alive and looks like about half a dozen brood or so but I’m pretty sure only one worker is alive and before the hibernation started there were 6. Is this normal? I know the conditions of hibernation aren’t ideal.


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I take that back - there’s still like 6 or 7 workers. Just had to open my garage door and let some fresh warm air in here to get it to 50 degrees haha

There are four things which are little on the earth,
But they are exceedingly wise:
The ants are a people not strong,
Yet they prepare their food in the summer

Proverbs 30:24-25 NKJV

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