26 replies to this topic

[Ferox_Formicae]

About Us:

Ferox Formicae is a South Carolina-based ant shop, specializing in selling both common and rare southeastern ant species available nowhere else. Working with scientists from around the world, we know what is best for your ants, and are experienced in keeping some of the most finicky ants out there, and we believe sharing that information with other ant enthusiasts is very important in order to spread the love and knowledge of ants to anyone and everyone who needs it. We believe that properly researching the care for ant species is the key to success, which is why we have done all of that for you, providing you with as much information as possible for the ants you wish to keep, even those of which with little information on their care in captivity. With Ferox Formicae, all of your ant-related needs are met.

Ants For Sale:

Aphaenogaster fulva

Binomial Name: Aphaenogaster fulva Roger
Common Name(s): Tawny Collared Ant, Ridge-Back Long-Legged Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Stenammini
Colony Form: Monogynous
Typical Colony Size: Up to 800 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 2; Sensitive to humidity but otherwise easy to care for
Bite or Sting: Rarely sting
Diet: Seeds with elaiosomes, pre-killed insects, nuts, peanut butter, fruits
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M-L
Temperature: 70-75 degrees F
Humidity: 50-60%
Pricing:
Small colony: $50.00
Mature colony: $120.00

Aphaenogaster fulva-rudis-texana complex spp.

Binomial Name: Aphaenogaster fulva-rudis-texana species complex
Common Name(s): Long-Legged Ants, Winnow Ants
Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Stenammini
Colony Form: Monogynous
Typical Colony Size: Rarely exceed 200 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 1.5; Very easy to care for as long as humidity is high
Bite or Sting: Have a sting, but are reluctant to use it
Diet: Pre-killed insects, peanut butter, certain fruits, nuts, and seeds with elaiosomes such as pansies or violets
Formicarium Size: M
Temperature: 75-80 degrees F
Humidity: 50-70%
Pricing:
Small colony: $40.00
Mature colony: $80.00

Brachymyrmex depilis

Binomial Name: Brachymyrmex depilis Emery
Common Name(s): Hairless Rover Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Myrmelachistini
Colony Form: Polygynous
Typical Colony Size: 100-300 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 2; Easy to care for but difficult to contain due to their small size
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Honey or sugar water, pre-killed insects
Formicarium Size: S
Temperature: 65-70 degrees F
Humidity: 50-60%
Pricing:
Mature colony: $40.00

Brachymyrmex patagonicus

Binomial Name: Brachymyrmex patagonicus Mayr
Common Name(s): Black Rover Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Myrmelachistini
Colony Form: Polygynous
Typical Colony Size: 300-500 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 1.5; One of the easier ants to care for out there, though they can be hard to contain due to their small size
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Particularly like sugary foods such as sugar water, honey, and fruits, but will also feed on pre-killed insects
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M
Temperature: 70-75 degrees F
Humidity: 55-65%
Pricing:
$5.00 per queen (Pre-order only)

Brachyponera chinensis

Binomial Name: Brachyponera chinensis (Emery)
Common Name(s): Asian Needle Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Ponerinae, Ponerini
Colony Form: Polygynous
Typical Colony Size: 500-2000 workers
Founding Method: Semi-claustral
Care Level (1-5): 2.5; Very sensitive to humidity and somewhat finicky with what they choose to eat
Bite or Sting: Sting rates a 1 on the Schmidt sting pain index, but are reluctant to use it
Diet: Specializes in preying on termites, but will also accept other live or dead insects
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M
Temperature: 60-70 degrees F
Humidity: 65-75%
Pricing:
$7.00 per queen
Small colony: $25.00
Mature colony: $55.00

Camponotus castaneus

Binomial Name: Camponotus (Camponotus) castaneus Latreille
Common Name(s): Chestnut Carpenter Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Camponotini
Colony Form: Monogynous
Typical Colony Size: 1000-3000 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 3; Finicky eaters and notoriously difficult to get past the founding stage
Bite or Sting: Can bite and spray formic acid
Diet: Watered down honey, sugar water, pre-killed insects, fruit flies
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): L-XL
Temperature: 75-80 degrees F
Humidity: 40-60%
Pricing:
Single queen: $45.00 (Pre-order only)
Incipient colony: $70.00

Camponotus chromaiodes

Binomial Name: Camponotus (Camponotus) chromaiodes Bolton
Common Name(s): Ferruginous Carpenter Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Camponotini
Colony Form: Monogynous
Typical Colony Size: 1500-3000 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 2.5; Like most Camponotus, can be difficult to found, but after founding, they are fairly easy to care for; Colonies can be fairly aggressive when larger, and are occasionally difficult to contain, and should never be kept in material they can chew through, such as wood and plaster
Bite or Sting: Can deliver a painful bite and spray formic acid
Diet: Mainly prefer sweets, but are quick to go for pre-killed insects, as well as live ones
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): XL
Temperature: 65-70 degrees F
Humidity: 45-55%
Pricing:
Single queen: $40.00

Camponotus decipiens

Binomial Name: Camponotus (Myrmentoma) decipiens Emery
Common Name(s): Deceptive Arboreal Carpenter Ant; Smaller Bicolored Carpenter Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Camponotini
Colony Form: Monogynous/pleometrotic
Typical Colony Size: 100-300 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 1; Easy to care for and easier to found than larger Camponotus species; A great beginner species
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Prefer sweet, sugary foods, but will also feed on pre-killed insects and fruit flies
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M
Temperature: 70-80 degrees F
Humidity: 40-50%
Pricing:
Mature colony: $110.00

Camponotus nearcticus

Binomial Name: Camponotus (Myrmentoma) nearcticus Emery
Common Name(s): Pine Branch Carpenter Ant; Smaller Carpenter Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Camponotini
Colony Form: Monogynous, rarely polygynous
Typical Colony Size: 500-1000 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 1.5; A hardy and tolerant species, but can be a bit difficult to get past the found stage
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Tend to prefer sweet foods, but will also accept a wide variety of pre-killed insects
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M-L
Temperature: 75-85 degrees F
Humidity: 35-45%
Pricing:
Single queen: $35.00

Camponotus pennsylvanicus

Binomial Name: Camponotus (Camponotus) pennsylvanicus (De Geer)
Common Name(s): Eastern Black Carpenter Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Camponotini
Colony Form: Monogynous
Typical Colony Size: 2000+ workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 2; Once past the founding stage, colonies are quite easy to care for, though containment may be difficult
Bite or Sting: Can bite and spray formic acid
Diet: Pre-killed insects, fruit flies, fruit, honey or sugar water
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): L-XL
Temperature: 70-75 degrees F
Humidity: 30-40%
Pricing:
Single queen: $40.00

Cardiocondyla minutior

Image coming soon!

Binomial Name: Cardiocondyla minutior Forel
Common Name(s): Minute Sneaking Ant, Little Black Sneaking Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Crematogastrini
Colony Form: Polygynous
Typical Colony Size: 100-500 workers
Founding Method: Semi-claustral
Care Level (1-5): 1-2; Little care information on this species, but appears to be difficult to contain due to their size
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Pre-killed insects, honey and sugar water
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): S
Temperature: 70-75 degrees F
Humidity: 45-55%
Pricing:
Small colony: $30.00
Mature colony: $75.00

Colobopsis impressa

Binomial Name: Colobopsis impressa Roger
Common Name(s): Common Stopper Ant, Common Cork-Headed Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Camponotini
Colony Form: Polygynous
Typical Colony Size: 500-1000
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 3; Young colonies can spontaneously die for no apparent reason, can be finicky with feeding, and are sensitive to high humidity
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Prefer sugary foods
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M
Temperature: 65-75 degrees F
Humidity: 30-40%
Pricing:
$30.00 per queen (pre-order only)

Crematogaster ashmeadi

Binomial Name: Crematogaster (Crematogaster) ashmeadi Mayr
Common Name(s): Ashmead's Acrobat Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Crematogastrini
Colony Form: Polygynous/pleometrotic
Typical Colony Size: 300-500 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 1; Easy to care for as long as they are fed well
Bite or Sting: Can bite and exude chemicals
Diet: Watered down honey, sugar water, pre-killed insects, and fruit flies
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M-L
Temperature: 70-80 degrees F
Humidity: 50-65%
Pricing:
Mature colony: $80.00

Crematogaster minutissima

Binomial Name: Crematogaster (Orthocrema) minutissima Mayr
Common Name(s): Forest Floor Yellow Acrobat Ant, Minute Acrobat Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Crematogastrini
Colony Form: Strictly polygynous
Typical Colony Size: 100-500 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 2; Fairly hardy and tolerant to most conditions as long as the humidity is kept high
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Watered down honey, sugar water, and pre-killed insects
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): S-M
Temperature: 65-70 degrees F
Humidity: 60-75%
Pricing:
Mature colony: $67.00

Cyphomyrmex rimosus

Binomial Name: Cyphomyrmex rimosus (Spinola)
Common Name(s): Rimose Fungus-Farming Ant, Little Fungus-Gardener Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Attini
Colony Form: Usually monogynous, though can occasionally be polygynous
Typical Colony Size: 100-150 workers
Founding Method: Semi-claustral
Care Level (1-5): 4; The yeast can be difficult to keep alive, and if the ants go without water for even a few hours or if their humidity drops too low, they are quick to die; The ants are also very messy, and often leave fungus substrate out to mold
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Feed on a form of unicellular yeast (Tyridiomyces formicarum) farmed with bits of organic debris such as crushed insect exoskeletons, frass, and bits of plant debris; Occasionally accept honey or sugar water
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): S-M
Temperature: 65-75 degrees F
Humidity: 60-75%
Pricing:
Mature colony: $120.00

Dolichoderus cf. pustulatus

Binomial Name: Dolichoderus cf. pustulatus Mayr
Common Name(s): Variable Armored Odorous Ant; Variable Tongue-and-Groove Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Dolichoderinae, Dolichoderini
Colony Form: Polygynous
Typical Colony Size: 200-1000 workers
Founding Method: Semi-claustral
Care Level (1-5): 2-3; Not much information known for captive colonies
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Prefer sugary foods
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M-L
Temperature: 70-75 degrees F
Humidity: 35-45%
Pricing:
Mature colony: $110.00

Forelius pruinosus

Binomial Name: Forelius pruinosus (Roger)
Common Name(s): High Noon Ant, Frosty Asbestos Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Dolichoderinae, Leptomyrmicinae
Colony Form: Polygynous
Typical Colony Size: 5000-10000 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 1; Highly tolerant to neglect, fast-growing
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Honey and sugar water, pre-killed insects, other ants (love Solenopsis fire ants)
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M-L
Temperature: 75-85 degrees F; Tolerant/love high heat
Humidity: 30-40%
Pricing:
$12.00 per queen (pre-order only)

Formica pallidefulva

Binomial Name: Formica pallidefulva Latreille
Common Name(s): Pale Field Ant, Variable Fleet Formica
Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Formicini
Colony Form: Polygynous
Typical Colony Size: 5000-10000 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 1; A great beginner species
Bite or Sting: Bite and spray formic acid in large amounts
Diet: Fruits, honey and sugar water, pre-killed insects, small live insects
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): L
Temperature: 70-80 degrees F
Humidity: 40-50%
Pricing:
$35.00 per queen (pre-order only)
Mature colony: $155.00

Monomorium minimum

Image coming soon!

Binomial Name: Monomorium minimum (Buckley)
Common Name(s): Little Black Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Solenopsidini
Colony Form: Polygynous
Typical Colony Size: 12-14 queens, 1000-5000 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 1.5; Very easy to care for but are difficult to contain due to their size
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Eat most foods offered to them
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): S-M
Temperature: 65-75 degrees F
Humidity: 45-55%
Pricing:
Mature colony: $55.00

Myrmecina americana

Binomial Name: Myrmecina americana Emery
Common Name(s): Common Mite-Eating Ant, American Grass Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Crematogastrini
Colony Form: Monogynous
Typical Colony Size: 100-150 workers
Founding Method: Semi-claustral
Care Level (1-5): 3; Can be fairly finicky with diet and hydration, as is the case for most cryptobiotic ant species
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Considered mite-specialist predators, but will also feed on springtails, fruit flies, and pre-killed crickets
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): S
Temperature: 65-70 degrees F
Humidity: 65-75%
Price:
Mature colony: $55.00

Nylanderia faisonensis

Binomial Name: Nylanderia faisonensis (Forel)
Common Name: Woodland Crazy Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Lasiini
Colony Form: Monogynous
Typical Colony Size: 200-500 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 1.5; Fairly easy to care for, but can be difficult to contain due to their small size and skittish nature
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Honey, sugar water, fruit, pre-killed insects, fruit flies, springtails
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): S-M
Temperature: 70-80 degrees F
Humidity: 55-65%
Pricing:
Incipient colony: $25.00
Mature colony: $75.00

Pheidole bicarinata

Binomial Name: Pheidole bicarinata Mayr
Common Name(s): Variable Big-Headed Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Attini
Colony Form: Monogynous
Typical Colony Size: 500-2000
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 1; A great beginner species
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Pre-killed insects, honey or sugar water, fruits, small seeds
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M
Temperature: 70-75 degrees F
Humidity: 35-45%
Pricing:
Single queen: $15.00 (Pre-order only)

Pheidole crassicornis

Binomial Name: Pheidole crassicornis Emery
Common Name(s): Thick-Scaped Big-Headed Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Attini
Colony Form: Monogynous
Typical Colony Size: Likely around 500-1000 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 2-3; While care information for this rarely kept species is currently sparse, care for this species is likely similar to that of other medium to large-sized Pheidole species
Bite or Sting: Workers are quick to bite when under attack, but bites are relatively painless
Diet: Primarily feed on pre-killed insects, but also enjoy sugar water, honey water, fruit, and other sweets
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M-L
Temperature: 65-70 degrees F
Humidity: 40-50%
Pricing:
Mature colony: $180.00

Ponera pennsylvanica

Binomial Name: Ponera pennsylvanica Buckley
Common Name(s): Common Porthole Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Ponerinae, Ponerini
Colony Form: Polygynous
Typical Colony Size: Rarely more than 50 worker, usually far less
Founding Method: Semi claustral
Care Level (1-5): 2.5; Require high humidity, small prey, and soil substrate; Can spontaneously die
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Small soil invertebrates, pre-killed insects
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): S
Temperature: 65-75 degrees F
Humidity: 55-65%
Pricing:
Mature colony: $45.00

Prenolepis imparis

Binomial Name: Prenolepis imparis (Say)
Common Name(s): Winter Ant; Fat-Bellied Ant; False Honey Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Lasiini
Colony Form: Monogynous or Polygynous
Typical Colony Size: 5000-10000 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 2; Once past the founding stage, colonies are fairly easy to care
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Sugary foods and pre-killed insects
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M-L
Temperature: 60-70 degrees F
Humidity: 55-65%
Pricing:
Single queen: $40.00

Pseudomyrmex ejectus

Binomial Name: Pseudomyrmex ejectus (Smith)
Common Name (s): Shining Dark Slender Twig Ant; Smaller Bicolored Slender Twig Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Pseudomyrmecinae, Pseudomyrmecini
Colony Form: Polygynous
Typical Colony Size: 300-1000 workers
Founding Method: Semi-claustral or colony fragmentation
Care Level (1-5): 3; Can be finicky with what they choose to nest in, along with being escape masters due to their slender build, amazing eyesight, and arboreal habits
Bite or Sting: Can sting, but very rarely do so; Sting rates a 3 on Schmidt Sting Pain Index
Diet: Watered down honey, sugar water, and pre-killed mealworms and smaller insects
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): S-M
Temperature: 75-80 degrees F
Humidity: 30-40%
Pricing:
Mature colony: $125.00

Solenopsis molesta complex spp.

Binomial Name: Solenopsis molesta species complex
Common Name(s): Thief Ants
Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Solenopsidini
Colony Form: Polygynous
Typical Colony Size: 500-10000 workers
Founding Method: Fully claustral
Care Level (1-5): 2; Fairly easy to care for, but can be difficult to contain due to their small size; Readily accept most foods offered to them
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Ant brood, pre-killed insects, sugary foods
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): S-M
Temperature: 65-75 degrees F
Humidity: 55-75%
Pricing:
Mature colony: $60.00 +$10 for extra queens

Strumigenys louisianae

Binomial Name: Strumigenys louisianae Roger
Common Name(s): Louisiana Pygmy Trap-Jaw Ant, Louisiana Snappy Detritus Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Attini
Colony Form: Monogynous
Typical Colony Size: 50-200 workers
Care Level (1-5): 4.5; Extremely sensitive to low humidity, require very small prey insects, difficult to contain due to their size
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Springtails (entomobrya, symphypleona, isotoma), small termites, symphylans, japygids, and certain mites; Require small prey
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): S
Temperature: 65-75 degrees F
Humidity: 60-70%
Pricing:
Single queen: $40.00 (pre-order only)

Temnothorax curvispinosus

Binomial Name: Temnothorax curvispinosus (Mayr)
Common Name(s): Yellow Woodland Creeper Ant; Curve-Spined Acorn Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Crematogastrini
Colony Form: Polygynous
Typical Colony Size: 50-200 workers
Care Level (1-5): 1; A hardy and highly tolerant species
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Honey, sugar water, peanut butter, pre-killed insects
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): Small
Temperature: 65-70 degrees F
Humidity: 40-50%
Pricing:
$15.00 per queen (Pre-order only)
Mature colony: $45.00

Trachymyrmex septentrionalis

Binomial Name: Trachymyrmex septentrionalis (McCook)
Common Name(s): Northern Fungus-Farming Ant, Northern Tuberculate Fungus Ant
Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Attini
Colony Form: Monogynous
Typical Colony Size: 200-1000 workers
Founding Method: Semi-claustral
Care Level (1-5): 4; The ants themselves are not too hard to care for, but the fungus is very finicky and needs very high humidity in order to thrive, and even then can die without warning; The nesting area needs to be fairly large in order to accommodate the large size of their fungus gardens
Bite or Sting: None
Diet: Feed specifically on a species of Leucoagaricus fungus which they farm with oats, insect frass, oak catkins, certain grasses, soft leaves, flower petals, and occasionally sweet liquids like sugar water
Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M-L
Temperature: 70-80 degrees F
Humidity: 85-95%
Pricing:
Single queen: $40.00 (pre-order only)
Small colony: $85.00
Mature colony: $210.00



*note* If you are interested in a species not listed here, please PM or email me


Formicaria:

Cryptobiotic-Specific Nest

Not yet available, this nest will be specially made for keeping entire colonies of small, cryptobiotic ant species such as Temnothorax, Strumigenys, small Ponerines, and others. Taking inspiration from nests designed by Fielde and Janet, this small, compact nest will be one of the best on the market for keeping these picky and finicky ants alive while still allowing for easy observation and the ants comfort and security. These nests will likely be available by the end of the year, it not earlier, and will be around $40-50 each.


Shipping:

Ants can be both shipped via USPS to anywhere in South Carolina or picked up in-person, which I, along with most of my customers, seem to recommend, especially due to the fact that information can be given about the colony(s) face-to-face. Pick-ups tend to happen at about the halfway point between either party due to convenience purposes (I am located in Prosperity). If shipping is the desired option, shipping and handling costs must be paid in-full, with a flat-rate of $15.00. There is a live arrival guarantee as long as temperatures are between 50 and 85 degrees F. Any higher or lower, and the ants cannot be guaranteed live upon arrival, but will be shipped with either a heat or cool pack, depending on the conditions. Unless stated otherwise (i.e. Crematogaster cf. laeviuscula), ants are identified to species upon arrival.

Contact:

Email: feroxformicae@gmail.com
Phone number: 1(803) 719-3414 (text only)
YouTube: Ferox Formicae
Twitter: Cloud Dandridge; @Ferox_Formicae

Edited by Ferox_Formicae, January 24 2025 - 8:17 AM.

[Ferox_Formicae]

So I kind of broke my old shop somehow, so I've had to create an all-new one. Anyways, three new species have been added, Camponotus decipiens and nearcticus and Solenopsis carolinensis.

[RushmoreAnts]

For S. molesta, should it be 10000-50000 instead of 10k-5k?

[Ferox_Formicae]

Yeah, so Formiculture hates me. I can no longer edit my shop without the entire website crashing...

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

that's fun

[RushmoreAnts]

Don't worry. I'm probably the only one who noticed anyways. And this whole thing clears it up for anyone else who might notice.......

[TechAnt]

Hey, I think all the info you have here is brilliant and detailed. I’m in progress of making a ant website, I would like to ask if I can use this info, I will give full credit to you for all of the information I use.

[ANTdrew]

Where has Ferox been? I miss his input to the forum.

[Antkid12]

He was here on June 4.

[TennesseeAnts]

Where has Ferox been? I miss his input to the forum.

He's been busy lately. I talked to him yesterday.

[RushmoreAnts]

Where has Ferox been? I miss his input to the forum.

He's been busy lately. I talked to him yesterday.

Any indication on when he may return? I had a question I would’ve liked to ask.

[TennesseeAnts]

 

 

Where has Ferox been? I miss his input to the forum.

He's been busy lately. I talked to him yesterday.

Any indication on when he may return? I had a question I would’ve liked to ask.

 

I'll ask him when he's coming back.

[Ferox_Formicae]

Finally updated after the longest time! Cleaned up the shop, did a few changes, and added some species back in stock. New species will be added to the shop soon.

[Antkeeper01]

       About Us:

 

Ferox Formicae is a South Carolina-based ant shop, specializing in selling both common and rare southeastern ant species available nowhere else. Working with scientists from around the world, we know what is best for your ants, and are experienced in keeping some of the most finicky ants out there, and we believe sharing that information with other ant enthusiasts is very important in order to spread the love and knowledge of ants to anyone and everyone who needs it. We believe that properly researching the care for ant species is the key to success, which is why we have done all of that for you, providing you with as much information as possible for the ants you wish to keep, even those of which with little information on their care in captivity. With Ferox Formicae, all of your ant-related needs are met.

 

       Ants For Sale:

 

 

Aphaenogaster fulva-rudis-texana complex spp.

 

 

Binomial Name: Aphaenogaster fulva-rudis-texana species complex

Common Name(s): Long-Legged & Winnow Ants

Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Stenammini

Description:

-Worker: 3.5-4 mm; A complex of many nearly indistinguishable species; Leggy and sporting medium to dark brown colorations with a lighter gaster tip;

-Gyne: 4-5 mm; Coloration from medium brown to red-brown with reddish gastric markings

-Male: 4 mm; Deep brown with a leggy build, small gaster and head

Distribution: Spread throughout the US and parts of Canada

Biology: An important part of many forest ecosystems as they help contribute to the spread of seeds; Nest are often under roots, at the base of trees, or under rotting logs, though sometimes nests are not associated with any structures in particular

Colony Form: Monogynous

Typical Colony Size: Rarely exceed 200 workers

Founding Method: Fully claustral

Care Level (1-5): 1.5; Very easy to care for as long as humidity is high

Bite or Sting: Have a sting, but are reluctant to use it

Diet: Pre-killed insects and seeds with elaiosomes such as pansies or violets

Nesting Medium: Nest in soil with inconspicuous nest entrances often marked by bits of insect exoskeletons

Formicarium Size: M

Temperature: 75-80 degrees F

Humidity: 50-70%

Hibernation: Hibernate only in the northern part of their range; Further south, queens continue to lay into the winter months

Pricing:

Mature colony: $70.00

 

 

Brachymyrmex patagonicus

 

 

Binomial Name: Brachymyrmex patagonicus

Common Name(s): Black Rover Ant

Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Myrmelachistini

Description:

-Worker: 1.5-2 mm; Small with a shiny black cuticle; Short and stout in build with a small petiole; Easily distinguished by it 9-segmented antennae, large eye, and sparse gaster pubescence

-Gyne: 4-5 mm; Nearly 3-times larger than workers and males; Lighter in color with denser pubescence and a very large gaster

-Male: 1.5 mm; Small and yellowish with a tiny, darker head; Very large eyes and ocelli; Common in large numbers at lights at night during the warmer months of the year

Distribution: Native to much of Central and South America, but has been introduced to the southern US

Biology: Workers are common in disturbed areas, and can often be seen as tiny black dots moving up and down tree trunks or across fences; Commonly referred to as sugar ants for their habit of feeding on sweet, sugary foods, especially when foragers are seen in houses

Colony Form: Polygynous

Typical Colony Size: 300-500 workers

Founding Method: Fully claustral

Care Level (1-5): 2; One of the easier ants to care for out there, though can be hard to contain due to their small size

Bite or Sting: None

Diet: Particularly like sugary foods such as sugar water, honey, and fruits, but will also feed on pre-killed insects

Nesting Medium: Nests can be found under rocks or other objects, within rotting logs, hollow twigs, inside of houses, at the base of trees, and in arboreal settings

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M

Temperature: 70-75 degrees F

Humidity: 55-65%

Hibernation: None

Pricing:

$5.00 per queen (Pre-order only)

 

 

Camponotus (Camponotus) castaneus

 

 

Binomial Name: Camponotus (Tanaemyrmex) castaneus

Common Name(s): Chestnut Carpenter Ant

Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Camponotini

Description:

-Minor: 7-8 mm; Light orange coloration throughout with a darker head and gaster tip; The head is small and elongated 

-Major: 9-10 mm; Light orange main body with a reddish head, sometimes dark enough to be confused with the similar americanus; The head is large and broad with large mandibles and normal sized eyes

-Gyne: 13-15 mm; Gorgeous deep orange-red throughout with a glossy sheen makes them stand out amongst females of other North American species

-Male: 9-10 mm; Light orange throughout, most often lighter than the workers

Distribution: Spread throughout the eastern US and rare in parts of Canada

Biology: Rare in all areas but states bordering the Atlantic Ocean, elsewhere replaced by the similar americanus; Colonies of this gorgeous Camponotus can be found in mixed hardwood forests under large rocks on the forest floor, more rarely under logs or at the base of trees

Colony Form: Monogynous

Typical Colony Size: 1000-3000 workers

Founding Method: Fully claustral

Care Level (1-5): 3; Finicky eaters and notoriously difficult to get past the founding stage

Bite or Sting: Can bite and spray formic acid

Diet: Watered down honey, sugar water, pre-killed insects, fruit flies

Nesting Medium: Form large, elaborate colonies in the wild that can extend down many feet, often under rocks or at the base of trees, less commonly under or inside of rotting logs

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): L-XL

Temperature: 75-80 degrees F

Humidity: 40-60%

Hibernation: Yes; Hibernation time depends on region

Pricing:

Single queen: $45.00

Incipient colony: $70.00

 

 

Camponotus (Camponotus) chromaiodes

 

 

Binomial Name: Camponotus (Camponotus) chromaiodes

Common Name(s): Ferruginous Carpenter Ant, Red Carpenter Ant

Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Camponotini

Description:

-Worker: 6-10 mm; Matte black base color with red highlights at the later portions of the mesosoma, on the petiole, on the first gastric tergite, and on the legs; Certain forms are more-or-less fully black with deep red highlights on the legs and mesosoma; These forms can be difficult to distinguish from pennsylvanicus workers; Gaster covered with golden, appressed pubescense, similar to that seen in pennsylvanicus

-Major: 11-13 mm; Similar to minor and media workers, but with a far broader head

-Gyne: 15-17 mm; Similar to the workers, but with more red and less of the distinct, appressed gastric hairs; Wings yellowish at their trailing edges, with the yellow fading towards the trailing edge

-Male: 9-11 mm; Nearly fully matte black, but with darker red highlights on the legs; Wings similar to that of gynes, but a bit lighter

Distribution: Spread throughout the eastern US, but replaced throughout most of its range by the related C. pennsylvanicus

Biology: Often forage diurnally, but during optimal conditions, foragers can be seen at night; Workers can often be seen tending to Homopterans and Hemipterans on low-growing vegetation, usually no more than a few meters off the ground

Colony Form: Monogynous/pleometrotic

Typical Colony Size: 1500-3000 workers

Founding Method: Fully claustral

Care Level (1-5): 2.5; Like most Camponotus, can be difficult to found, but after founding, they are fairly easy to care for; Colonies can be fairly aggressive when larger, and are occasionally difficult to contain, and should never be kept in material they can chew through, such as wood and plaster

Bite or Sting: Can deliver a painful bite and spray formic acid

Diet: Mainly prefer sweets, but are quick to go for pre-killed insects, as well as live ones

Nesting Medium: Nest in wood and occasionally in soil, often under objects such as rotting logs or roots; Colonies can also be found at the base of trees or, rarely, within rotting portions of live or dying trees

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): XL

Temperature: 65-70 degrees F

Humidity: 45-55%

Hibernation: Yes; Hibernate starting from late Fall into early Spring, shorter amounts of time in more southern areas

Pricing:

Single queen: $40.00

 

 

Camponotus (Myrmentoma) decipiens

 

 

Binomial Name: Camponotus (Myrmentoma) decipiens

Common Name(s): Deceptive Arboreal Carpenter Ant; Smaller Bicolored Carpenter Ant

Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Camponotini

Description:

-Worker: 3.5-7.5 mm; Bicolored with a red head and mesosoma and a shiny black gaster; Can be separated from discolor by its lack of shallow pits and corresponding hairs on the gena; Separated from nearcticus and snellingi by its coloration, nearcticus being black with a deep red mesosoma to concolorous black and snellingi being bicolored red and black to yellow and black, the head, mesosoma and first two gastric tergites being red or yellow with a black gaster

-Gyne: 9-10 mm; Similar in color and design to worker; Body strongly elongated in comparison to that of the workers

-Male: 4.5-5 mm; Concolorous black throughout, sometimes with a lighter mesosoma

Distribution: Spread throughout much of the southern US; Absent in the far west

Biology: Colonies of this species are typically small and found in arboreal settings; Workers can often be seen foraging on low vegetation and tending to sap-sucking Homopterans

Colony Form: Monogynous/pleometrotic

Typical Colony Size: 100-300 workers

Founding Method: Fully claustral

Care Level (1-5): 1; Easy to care for and easier to found than larger Camponotus species; A great beginner species

Bite or Sting: None

Diet: Prefer sweet, sugary foods, but will also feed on pre-killed insects and fruit flies

Nesting Medium: Often nest in arboreal settings, usually in hollowed out twigs or branches

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M

Temperature: 70-80 degrees F

Humidity: 40-50%

Hibernation: Yes; Hibernate from October to late February, but times may vary depending on location

Pricing:

Mature colony: $110.00

 

 

Camponotus (Myrmentoma) nearcticus

 

 

Binomial Name: Camponotus (Myrmentoma) nearcticus

Common Name(s): Pine Branch Carpenter Ant; Nearctic Carpenter Ant; Smaller Carpenter Ant

Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Camponotini

Description:

-Worker: 3.5-7.5 mm; Populations from this region are typically fully concolorous shiny black, but further north, workers may be bicolored black with a red mesosoma; Distinguished from caryae by the lack of pits and corresponding erect hairs on the gena; Separated from decipiens and snellingi by the coloration alone

-Gyne: 9-10 mm; Similar in color to workers but with a more elongated body and a far more robust build in the mesosoma area

Male: 4.5-5 mm; Concolorous black

Distribution: Ranging throughout much of the continental US and into Canada

Biology: Colonies can often be found in pine forest of in mixed hardwood forest and are often associated with pine trees of the genus Pinus; Colonies are almost always arboreal, but can occasionally be found in terrestrial settings

Colony Form: Monogynous/pleometrotic

Typical Colony Size: 500-1000 workers

Founding Method: Fully claustral

Care Level (1-5): 1.5; A hardy and tolerant species, but can be a bit difficult to get past the found stage

Bite or Sting: None

Diet: Tend to prefer sweet foods, but will also accept a wide variety of pre-killed insects

Nesting Medium: Often nest in arboreal settings in pine or other trees, usually in hollow twigs or branches or under bark; Nests can occasionally be found in fallen logs or branches, under logs on the forest floor, or at the base of trees

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M-L

Temperature: 75-85 degrees F

Humidity: 35-45%

Hibernation: Yes; Hibernate from around November to February, often coming out on warmer days to forage if conditions are optimal

Pricing:

Single queen: $35.00 (Pre-order only)

 

 

Crematogaster ashmeadi

 

 

Binomial Name: Crematogaster ashmeadi

Common Name(s): Ashmead's Acrobat Ant

Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Crematogastrini

Description:

-Worker: 2.5-3 mm; Small shiny and black with sparse pilosity and short propodeal spines

-Gyne: 5 mm; Large-bodied with a shiny black cuticle; Propodeal spines short and pilosity fairly dense on gaster

-Male: 3 mm; Small head and gaster with a massive mesosoma; Eyes average sized and ocelli fairly large

Distribution: Spread throughout the Southeastern US

Biology: A small, mostly arboreal species often seen foraging on fences, low lying vegetation, and in trees; Larger colony workers may be seen foraging on the ground, across pavement, etc.

Colony Form: Polygynous/pleometrotic

Typical Colony Size: 300-500 workers

Founding Method: Fully claustral

Care Level (1-5): 1; Easy to care for as long as they are fed well

Bite or Sting: Can bite and exude chemicals into the cut

Diet: Watered down honey, sugar water, pre-killed insects, and fruit flies

Nesting Medium: Nest in hollow twigs and branches in arboreal settings, often 2 meters or higher off the ground

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M-L

Temperature: 70-80 degrees F

Humidity: 50-65%

Hibernation: Yes; Require a short hibernation period during the cooler months

Pricing:

Mature colony: $80.00

 

 

Crematogaster minutissima

 

 

Binomial Name: Crematogaster minutissima

Common Name(s): Forest Floor Yellow Acrobat Ant, Minute Acrobat Ant

Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Crematogastrini

Description:

-Worker: 2-3 mm; A small Crematogaster species with a unique bright yellow coloration and fairly dense pilosity; Separated from the similar C. missouriensis by the lack of and granulate sculpturing on the mesosoma

-Gyne: 3.5-4 mm; Similar in appearance to workers but with a robust mesosoma, darker color, and denser pilosity, especially on the gaster

-Male: 2 mm; Tiny and pale yellow

Distribution: Found throughout much of the southern US

Biology: Colonies commonly found under objects such as logs and rocks and inside of rotting wood

Colony Form: Strictly polygynous

Typical Colony Size: 100-500 workers

Founding Method: Fully claustral

Care Level (1-5): 2; Fairly easy to care for but require high humidity and are hard to maintain as they are so small

Bite or Sting: None

Diet: Watered down honey, sugar water, and pre-killed insects

Nesting Medium: Colonies nest in soil under objects, rotting wood, and under the bark of dead, often fallen, trees

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): S-M

Temperature: 65-70 degrees F

Humidity: 60-75%

Hibernation: None; Queens continue to lay throughout the winter in most parts of their range

Pricing:

Mature colony: $67.00

 

 

Cyphomyrmex rimosus

 

 

Binomial Name: Cyphomyrmex rimosus

Common Name(s): Rimose Fungus-Farming Ant, Little Fungus-Gardener Ant

Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Attini

Description:

-Worker: 2-2.5 mm; A small short stout and leggy ant with strongly expanded frontal lobes, easily recognizable from similar species such as minutus by its dark grayish coloration, strongly pronounced mesosomal tubercles, and weakly contrasting mesosomal coloration

-Gyne: 3 mm; Similar in design to workers but more robust with pronotal humeral tubercles distinct when viewed dorsally

-Male: 2.5 mm; Dark in color with a head similar to workers but with larger eyes and truncated edges of the frontal lobes

Distribution: Native to much of Central and South America; Introduced to the Southeastern US

Biology: A fungus farming species often seen in disturbed areas carrying bits of debris back to the nest, often frass, bits of plant material, or pieces of insect exoskeletons; The nest entrances are inconspicuous and colonies are often found under objects such as rocks or logs or within the colonies of other, more aggressive ant species such as Solenopsis invicta or Wasmannia auropunctata; Workers curl up and feign death when disturbed

Colony Form: Usually monogynous, though can occasionally be polygynous

Typical Colony Size: 100-150 workers

Founding Method: Semi-claustral

Care Level (1-5): 4; The yeast can be difficult to keep alive, and if the ants go without water for even a few hours or if their humidity drops too low, they are quick to die; The ants are also very messy, and often leave fungus substrate out to mold

Bite or Sting: None

Diet: Feed on a form of unicellular yeast (Tyridiomyces formicarum) farmed with bits of organic debris such as crushed insect exoskeletons, frass, and bits of plant debris; Occasionally accept watered down honey and sugar water

Nesting Medium: Nest in soil, often under objects, usually in or near the nests of other ant species; Occasionally nest in rotting wood or in crotches of trees filled with soil

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): S-M

Temperature: 65-75 degrees F

Humidity: 60-75%

Hibernation: Not needed, but recommended in northern areas

Pricing:

Mature colony: $120.00

 

 

Myrmecina americana

 

 

Binomial Name: Myrmecina americana

Common Name(s): Common Mite-Eating Ant

Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Crematogastrini

Description:

-Worker: 3 mm; Deep brown to reddish brown and heavily sculptured throughout; Two pairs of propodeal spines, the upper pair shorter and projected upward; Head squarish and mandibular and clypeal teeth large and distinct; Gaster fairly large and shining

-Gyne: 3.5 mm; Similar to workers and only slightly larger; Mesosoma large and upper propodeal spine pair absent

-Male: 3 mm; Small and brownish with an elongated build; Sculpturing sparse and nearly absent

Distribution: Present throughout much of North America from as far north as Quebec down to Florida

Biology: Common, but highly inconspicuous due to their slow movements, cryptic coloration, and their death-feigning habits; Foragers can be easily uncovered by sifting through leaf litter in shaded areas, though nests are rare and difficult to find

Colony Form: Monogynous

Typical Colony Size: 100-150 workers

Founding Method: Semi-claustral

Care Level (1-5): 3; Can be fairly finicky with diet and hydration, as is the case for most cryptic ant species

Bite or Sting: None

Diet: Considered mite-specialist predators, but will also feed on springtails, fruit flies, and pre-killed crickets

Nesting Medium: Nests can be found under rocks, logs, or within rotting wood, almost always on the edges of frequently flooded areas

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): S

Temperature: 65-70 degrees F

Humidity: 65-75%

Hibernation: Yes

Price:

Mature colony: $55.00

 

Nylanderia faisonensis

 

 

Binomial Name: Nylanderia faisonensis

Common Name: Woodland Crazy Ant

Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Lasiini

Description:

-Worker: 1.9-2.6 mm; Uniform deep brown with a black gaster to nearly entirely black; Scapes and mandibles yellow, with white meso and metacoxae which strongly contrast with the rest of the body; Near lack of any pubescence on the mesosoma or gaster; Can be distinguished from the similar wojciki by the presence of 5 or more macrosetae on the antennal scapes, as opposed to less than 5 in wojciki; In addition to this, wojciki tends to be bicolored with a lighter mesosoma

-Gyne: 3.4-4.1 mm; Light brown, often with a slightly darker gaster; Meso and metacoxa only slightly contrasting with the rest of the body, often being a lighter shade of brown; Cuticle covered in dense pubescence

-Male: 1.9-2.4 mm; Medium brown throughout, often with a darker gaster; Similar to workers, meso and metacoxae are pale whitish in color; Most of cuticle--excluding gaster--with dense pubescence; Resembles a worker in general form and proportion

Distribution: Common throughout the eastern US as far north as southern Michigan

Biology: One of the most common forest dwelling ants in the eastern US, a submissive and tolerant species often seen living around large populations of other, larger ant species

Colony Form: Monogynous

Typical Colony Size: 200-500 workers

Founding Method: Fully claustral

Care Level (1-5): 1.5; Fairly easy to care for, but can be difficult to contain due to their small size and skittish nature

Bite or Sting: None

Diet: Honey, sugar water, fruit, pre-killed insects, fruit flies, springtails

Nesting Medium: Nest in soil, often under objects, in wood, or in hollow twigs or nuts on the forest floor

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): S-M

Temperature: 70-80 degrees F

Humidity: 55-65%

Hibernation: Not necessary

Pricing:

Incipient colony: $25.00

Mature colony: $75.00

 

 

Pheidole crassicornis

 

 

Binomial Name: Pheidole crassicornis

Common Name(s): Thick-Scaped Big-Headed Ant

Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Attini

Description:

-Minor: 2.5 mm; Variable in coloration, ranging from dark brownish-black to yellowish-brown; Cuticle opaque and feebly sculptured

-Major: 3-3.2 mm; Dark brownish-black with a deep red head to bicolored red and brown with a shiny black gaster to yellowish-brown with a light red head; Light sculpturing on head stopping at around the midpoint; Scape wide, widest at the base; Can be distinguished from the similar and widespread diversipilosa by the lack of dense, erect setae on the gaster surface

-Gyne: 4-4.5 mm; Coloration and sculpturing similar to the major workers of the species

-Male: Undescribed

Distribution: Ranges throughout much of the southern US

Biology: Fairly uncommon throughout much of its range; Mounds are typically inconspicuous, but in clay soils mounds slightly resemble those created by Trachymyrmex septentrionalis

Colony Form: Monogynous

Typical Colony Size: Likely around 500-1000 workers

Founding Method: Fully claustral

Care Level (1-5): 2-3; While care information for this rarely species is currently sparse, care for this species is likely similar to that of other medium to large-sized Pheidole species

Bite or Sting: Workers are quick to bite when under attack, but bites are relatively painless

Diet: Primarily feed on pre-killed insects, but also enjoy sugar water, honey water, fruit, and other sweets

Nesting Medium: Nest in soil often under objects, but occasionally make nests in open soil, creating small, crescent-shaped mounds

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M-L

Temperature: 65-70 degrees F

Humidity: 40-50%

Pricing:

Mature colony: $180.00

 

 

Prenolepis imparis

 

 

Binomial Name: Prenolepis imparis

Common Name(s): Winter Ant; Fat-Bellied Ant; False Honey Ant

Classification: Formicidae, Formicinae, Lasiini

Description:

-Worker: 3-4 mm; Medium brown to black with a shiny cuticle; Erect macrosetae covering head, mesosoma, and gaster; Mesosoma slender with a distinct mesonotal groove; Large, hump-backed gaster filled with liquid fat in repletes

-Gyne: 7.5-8.5 mm; Medium brown with reddish mesosoma, but can be nearly black in some western populations; Large-bodied with a massive gaster; Entire cuticle covered in dense pubescence

-Male: 3.5-4 mm; Small and black in color with dense pubescence and a shiny cuticle; Small head with large eyes and ocelli

Distribution: Spread throughout much of the US, Canada, and into Central America

Biology: Active during late Autumn, Winter, and into early Spring; Colonies contain many repletes filled with liquid food, often with liquid fat reservoirs as opposed to the sugary reserves of the true honey ants in the genus Myrmecocystus and Camponotus; Foraging trails can often be seen on the sides of trees going up into the canopy to farm sap-sucking Homopterans

Colony Form: Polygynous

Typical Colony Size: 500-1000 workers

Founding Method: Fully claustral

Care Level (1-5): 2; Once past the founding stage, colonies are fairly easy to care

Bite or Sting: None

Diet: Sugary foods and pre-killed insects

Nesting Medium: Often nest in sandy or clay soil, forming low, conspicuous mounds with wide entrance holes; Nests are deep and replete chambers can often be found under rocks

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M-L

Temperature: 60-70 degrees F

Humidity: 55-65%

Hibernation: Go into a state of diapause during the summer and are active only during the cooler months of the year, from around October to early April

Pricing:

Single queen: $40.00

 

 

Pseudomyrmex ejectus

 

 

Binomial Name: Pseudomyrmex ejectus

Common Name (s): Shining Dark Slender Twig Ant; Smaller Bicolored Slender Twig Ant

Classification: Formicidae, Pseudomyrmecinae, Pseudomyrmecini

Description:

-Worker: 4 mm; A small shiny black ant with large eyes, short antennae, and short legs, complete with an elongated build

-Gyne: 4.5 mm; Similar to the worker, but larger with a slightly larger mesosoma

-Male: 4 mm; Lighter in coloration than the workers and gynes

Distribution: Found throughout much of the Southeastern United States and extending down into Central America as far North as Panama

Biology: A small arboreal species nesting no lower than 2 meters off the ground; Forage in the canopy for small insects and sweet plant secretions such as nectar from flowers and honeydew from sap-sucking insects; Can often be seen foraging lower in the canopy, often foraging on fences and other similar structures

Colony Form: Polygynous

Typical Colony Size: 300-1000 workers

Founding Method: Semi-claustral or colony fragmentation

Care Level (1-5): 3; Can be finicky with what they choose to nest in, along with being escape masters due to their slender build, amazing eyesight, and arboreal habits

Bite or Sting: Can sting, but very rarely do so; Sting rates a 3 on Schmidt Sting Pain Index

Diet: Watered down honey, sugar water, and pre-killed mealworms and smaller insects

Nesting Medium: Colonies can be found in the wild living inside hollow twigs no more than a few millimeters in diameter; As such, colonies prefer to nest in either a naturalistic setup or within a very slender test tube or some vinyl tubing; Colonies will not nest in anything that is too damp

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): S-M

Temperature: 75-80 degrees F

Humidity: 30-40%

Hibernation: None; Queens continue to lay throughout the winter months

Pricing:

Mature colony: $125.00

 

 

Solenopsis molesta complex spp.

 

 

Binomial Name: Solenopsis molesta species complex

Common Name(s): Thief Ants

Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Solenopsidini

Description:

-Worker: 1-2 mm; A complex of taxonomically difficult, tiny ants that cannot be separated without extremely high magnification or DNA tests; Usually concolorous yellow, but can occasionally be darker, black in some species

-Gyne: 2-4.5 mm; Concolorous yellow, usually with a darker head; Eye large and well-developed; Distinguished from females of texana by its larger size, larger and more developed eyes and darker coloration

-Male: 2-3 mm; Bicolored with a brown head and gaster with a yellow mesosoma; Antennae yellow; Abundantly hairy throughout

Distribution: Spread throughout much of the New World

Biology: Found in all habitat types; Some species are arboreal

Colony Form: Polygynous

Typical Colony Size: 500-10000 workers

Founding Method: Fully claustral

Care Level (1-5): 2; Fairly easy to care for, but can be difficult to contain due to their small size; Eat readily most foods offered to them

Bite or Sting: None

Diet: Ant brood, pre-killed insects, sugary foods

Nesting Medium: Nest in nearly all microhabitats

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): S-M

Temperature: 65-75 degrees F

Humidity: 55-75%

Pricing:

Mature colony: $60.00 +$10 for extra queens

 

 

Solenopsis invicta

 

 

Binomial Name: Solenopsis invicta

Common Name(s): Red Imported Fire Ant

Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Solenopsidini

Description:

-Minor & Worker: 3 mm; Hairy with a dark red to reddish-brown coloration; Orange spot on first gastral tergite; Shiny cuticle

-Major: 5 mm; Similar to workers but with a larger head and often having a brighter coloration

-Gyne: Variable, but usually bicolored with a deep red head, mesosoma, and first gastric tergite, with the rest of the gaster shiny black; Occasionally darker or brighter, almost always with two darker stripes on the mesosoma

-Male: Shiny black with a tiny head and large eyes and ocelli

Distribution: Native to much of South America but has been introduced to the neotropics around the world, causing devastation wherever they've been introduced

Biology: Highly aggressive, often creating large mounds in soil (usually of a sandy or clay consistency) or within rotting logs

Colony Form: Polygynous

Typical Colony Size: 50000-1000000 workers

Founding Method: Fully claustral

Care Level (1-5): 3; Easy starting out, but colonies grow extremely fast and can be extremely difficult to maintain once they get larger

Bite or Sting: Bite and sting; Sting rates a 1.2 on the Schmidt Sting Pain Index

Diet: Watered down honey, sugar water, pre-killed insects and fruit flies

Nesting Medium: Nest in soil and occasionally within rotting logs

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): XXL

Temperature: 70-80 degrees F

Humidity: 55-65%

Hibernation: None

Pricing:

Single queen: $5.00

Incipient colony: $15.00

Mature colony: $50.00

 

 

Temnothorax curvispinosus

 

 

Binomial Name: Temnothorax curvispinosus

Common Name(s): Yellow Woodland Creeper Ant; Curve-Spined Acorn Ant

Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Crematogastrini

Description:

-Worker: 2.4 mm; Yellow to orange-yellow base color, often with black gastral markings; Cuticle feebly sculptured throughout with striations present on the surface of the head and pronotum; Propodeal spines long and curved down and inward

-Gyne: 3-3.3 mm; Darker in coloration than workers, usually brownish yellow with a yellow-black striped gaster with the gaster darkening and the stripes diminishing in visibility as the queens age; Propodeal spines long, but shorter in comparison to those seen in the workers

-Male: 2 mm; Small and pale off-white in color; Head and gaster often darker in color, the head very much so; Legs and antennae nearly white; Eyes and ocelli prominent

Distribution: Spread throughout the eastern US and into Canada; Range extends as far west as Arizona

Biology: Workers can often be seen foraging in leaf litter or on low-lying vegetation or fences; Foragers can often be found at honey or peanut butter baits placed on tree trunks or fences

Colony Form: Polygynous

Typical Colony Size: 50-200 workers

Care Level (1-5): 1; A hardy and tolerant beginner species

Bite or Sting: None

Diet: Honey, sugar water, peanut butter, pre-killed insects

Nesting Medium: Nest within hollow twigs, rotting nuts buried in the leaf litter; Occasionally arboreal

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): Small

Temperature: 65-70 degrees F

Humidity: 50-65%

Pricing:

$15.00 per queen (Pre-order only)

Mature colony: $45.00

 

 

Trachymyrmex septentrionalis

 

 

Binomial Name: Trachymyrmex septentrionalis

Common Name(s): Northern Fungus Farming Ant, Northern Tuberculate Fungus Ant, Northern Pygmy Leafcutter Ant

Classification: Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Attini

Description:

-Workers: 3.5 mm; Brownish in color with lighter circular marks on either side of the first gastric tergite at its base; Mesosoma spiny and highly tuberculate with tubercles covering the surface of the first gastric tergite; Moderately polymorphic, but nowhere near the polymorphism displayed in close relatives such as Acromyrmex or Atta

-Gyne: 5 mm; Similar in design to the workers but with a more robust build and often having more extensive and noticeable light markings on the first gastic tergite; The pronotal humeral spines are highly pronounced in dorsal view

-Male: 3-3.5 mm; Medium brown with a large gaster and a high level of texturing on the head

Distribution: Spread throughout much of North America, as far north as Long Island, New York, and as far west as parts of Arizona

Biology: A fungus gardener with high levels of agricultural development (there are three levels of Attine development, low, high, and leaf-cutting), bringing material such as frass, oak catkins, and even cut pieces of young leaves, grasses, and flower petals; Fungus gardens get to be very large (nearly baseball-sized!), diminishing in summer and winter to just enough to sustain the colony

Colony Form: Monogynous/pleometrotic

Typical Colony Size: 200-500 workers

Founding Method: Semi-claustral

Care Level (1-5): 4; The ants themselves are not too hard to care for, but the fungus is very finicky and needs very high humidity in order to thrive, and even then can die without warning; The setup needs to be fairly large in order to accompany the large size of their fungus gardens

Bite or Sting: None

Diet: Feed specifically on a species of Leucoagaricus fungus which they farm with oats, frass, oak catkins, grasses, leaves, and flower petals (in my experience they prefer rose petals)

Nesting Medium: Nest in well drained soil in open areas; They're not to picky about location, nesting in sand, clay, and humus, as long as it's somewhere fairly open (though I've seen colonies in closed-canopy forests) and that has plenty of caterpillars around to produce the frass they use to farm their fungus; All populations I've encountered have been near to oak trees (Quercus)

Formicarium Size (Mature Colony): M-L

Temperature: 70-80 degrees F

Humidity: 85-95%

Hibernation: Yes; Enter a state of estivation during the hot summer months in warmer areas and hibernate during the winter in temperatures under 60 degrees F, usually from November to February

Pricing:

Single queen: $40.00

Small colony: $85.00

Mature colony: $160.00

 

 

*note* If you are interested in a species not listed here, please PM or email me

 

      Species I'm Looking To Obtain (Willing To Trade For):

 

• Aphaenogaster mariae (Mary's Long-Legged Ant)
• Aphaenogaster tennesseensis (Curve-Spined Long-Legged Ant)
• Camponotus floridanus (Florida Carpenter Ant)
• Camponotus socius (Sandhills Carpenter Ant)
• Discothyrea testacea (Southern Pygmy Egg-Eating Ant)
• Gnamptogenys triangularis (Spine-Thighed Grooved Ant)
• Pogonomyrmex badius (Florida Harvester Ant)
• Pogonomyrmex occidentalis (Western Harvester Ant)
• Proceratium spp. (Egg-Eating Ants)
• Pseudomyrmex gracilis (Graceful Bicolored Twig Ant)
• Strumigenys spp. (Mustache and Pygmy Snap-Jaw Ants)
• Tetramorium bicarinatum (Larger Imported Pennant Ant)
• Tetramorium lanuginosum (Downy Pennant Ant)
• Tetramorium simillimum (Similar Yellow Pennant Ant)

 

 

      Shipping:

 

Ants can be both shipped via USPS to anywhere in South Carolina or picked up in-person, which I, along with most of my customers, seem to recommend, especially due to the fact that information can be given about the colony(s) face-to-face. Pick-ups tend to happen at about the halfway point between either party due to convenience purposes. If shipping is the desired option, shipping and handling costs must be paid in-full, which will vary depending on location. There is a live arrival guarantee as long as temperatures are between 50 and 85 degrees F. Any higher or lower, and the ants cannot be guaranteed live upon arrival, but will be shipped with either a heat or cool pack, depending on the conditions. Unless stated otherwise (i.e. Crematogaster cf. laeviuscula), ants are properly identified to species upon arrival with state-of-the-art lab materials and several years of ant-identifying experience, in order for you to have the best ant-keeping experience and being able to have access to all of the information known for that particular species.

 

      Contact:

 

Email: feroxformicae@gmail.com

Phone number: 1(803) 719-3414 (text only)

YouTube: Ferox Formicae

Twitter: Cloud Dandridge; @Ferox_Formicae

I can find P. occidentalis easily in august and i might be able to ship some in October

[mmcguffi]

I wish Trachymyrmex was deregulated as I would absolutely buy some. Not to over-run your thread here, but any tips on how to collect them? It looks like they may have already flown near you? I think they fly end of summer, here in cental Texas

[Ferox_Formicae]

I can find P. occidentalis easily in august and i might be able to ship some in October

That'd be cool! unfortunately, if you're looking to trade, I'm not able to send you any of my ants without a permit.

 

I wish Trachymyrmex was deregulated as I would absolutely buy some. Not to over-run your thread here, but any tips on how to collect them? It looks like they may have already flown near you? I think they fly end of summer, here in cental Texas

If you are looking to find some queens, here in South Carolina, I've seen them fly in July. The only reason I have any queens available at the moment is because I found one in a claustral cell and another foraging near a young colony.

[Antkeeper01]

 

I can find P. occidentalis easily in august and i might be able to ship some in October

That'd be cool! unfortunately, if you're looking to trade, I'm not able to send you any of my ants without a permit. 

yeah if i get a permit you can give me one of the the prenos maybe and maybe one of the crematogasters, and a small colony of like 5 workers for a single queen of trachymyrmex if i don't get a permit i want 10 bucks per queen. I don't know how rare te trachymyrmex are there, so maybe a 10 worker colony for a 1 worker colony of trachymyrmex

Edited by Antkeeper01, April 15 2021 - 8:08 AM.

[Ferox_Formicae]

 

 

I can find P. occidentalis easily in august and i might be able to ship some in October

That'd be cool! unfortunately, if you're looking to trade, I'm not able to send you any of my ants without a permit. 

yeah if i get a permit you can give me one of the the prenos maybe and maybe one of the crematogasters, and a small colony of like 5 workers for a single queen of trachymyrmex if i don't get a permit i want 10 bucks per queen. I don't know how rare te trachymyrmex are there, so maybe a 10 worker colony for a 1 worker colony of trachymyrmex

 

Sounds good. Trachymyrmex is extremely common here, and I've marked over 30 colonies in my yard, so getting you a founding colony will be easy.

[Antkeeper01]

 

 

 

I can find P. occidentalis easily in august and i might be able to ship some in October

That'd be cool! unfortunately, if you're looking to trade, I'm not able to send you any of my ants without a permit. 

yeah if i get a permit you can give me one of the the prenos maybe and maybe one of the crematogasters, and a small colony of like 5 workers for a single queen of trachymyrmex if i don't get a permit i want 10 bucks per queen. I don't know how rare te trachymyrmex are there, so maybe a 10 worker colony for a 1 worker colony of trachymyrmex

 

Sounds good. Trachymyrmex is extremely common here, and I've marked over 30 colonies in my yard, so getting you a founding colony will be easy.

 

question? does the seller need the permit or can the buyer just have the permit? also pogonomyrmex occi is the second most common ant around me tetras being the first!

Edited by Antkeeper01, April 16 2021 - 6:30 AM.

[Kaelwizard]

 

 

 

 

I can find P. occidentalis easily in august and i might be able to ship some in October

That'd be cool! unfortunately, if you're looking to trade, I'm not able to send you any of my ants without a permit. 

yeah if i get a permit you can give me one of the the prenos maybe and maybe one of the crematogasters, and a small colony of like 5 workers for a single queen of trachymyrmex if i don't get a permit i want 10 bucks per queen. I don't know how rare te trachymyrmex are there, so maybe a 10 worker colony for a 1 worker colony of trachymyrmex

 

Sounds good. Trachymyrmex is extremely common here, and I've marked over 30 colonies in my yard, so getting you a founding colony will be easy.

 

question? does the seller need the permit or can the buyer just have the permit? also pogonomyrmex occi is the second most common ant around me tetras being the first!

 

I thought both did but according to THA only he needs the permit to sell his F. subsericea over state lines.