16 replies to this topic

[William. T]

Hey Guys!

 

From a flipped rock I found a colony of T. Sessile on my patio. However, from what I read this is a very hard to keep species. I got three or four queens and 40 workers. Other than fluon, are there any other good barriers for these little demons? They are really hard to keep from what I have heard. Also, can you put workers you collect on the same patio to the nest to boost the population? These ants are like Argies. Thanks!

[Crystals]

Almost identical topic here: http://www.formicult...elp/?hl=sessile

and here:

http://www.formicult...ile/?hl=sessile

[Crystals]

Tapinoma sessile are special in the fact that you can combine any workers/queens from any nest of T. sessile and they will get along.  At least in the same general area, I am not sure how well Tapinoma sessile from my location would mix with ones from, say, California.

[Ants4fun]

That's odd. When I introduced one from my house to a colony around two blocks away, they were aggressive to each other...

[Miles]

Tapinoma sessile are special in the fact that you can combine any workers/queens from any nest of T. sessile and they will get along.  At least in the same general area, I am not sure how well Tapinoma sessile from my location would mix with ones from, say, California.

That has not been my experience.

[Crystals]

Interesting that others have not seen this.

Many articles I read on this species mentions that Tapinoma sessile accept workers and queens from other colonies.  I see this mentioned almost as much as I see it mentioned with Argentine ants (Linepithema humile).

What has everyone else observed?

[Miles]

I have observed this universal acceptance in Albany, Oregon, while here in Idaho the ants (of different colonies) show territorial behaviors upon meeting.

[William. T]

These ants need to be called the Argentine ants of the East. In the Summer, this ants are EVERYWHERE. I think the reason T. Sessile and L. Humile do not thrive as captives is that they need variety, no the same nectar and cricket every single day. They eat everything, from gummy bears to saltines. I will try to diversify their diet, and will also try out Aqua 300 for them.

[William. T]

This colony, so problematic! When  I put their test tube in an outworld, they made a nest.... in the foil covering! No moisture, just a foil covering. How can I get them to move?

[Miles]

This colony, so problematic! When  I put their test tube in an outworld, they made a nest.... in the foil covering! No moisture, just a foil covering. How can I get them to move?

They are the most uncooperative ant species I have ever dealt with. My sympathy is with you!

[Foogoo]

This colony, so problematic! When  I put their test tube in an outworld, they made a nest.... in the foil covering! No moisture, just a foil covering. How can I get them to move?

Ha! Mine did the same. They pretty much run underneath the closest cover and call it a nest. I removed all loose material from my Talus so they were left with the nest as their only option. Maybe try removing the foil an having a light over the outworld to get them to scurry into the nest.

[Crystals]

They are the most uncooperative ant species I have ever dealt with. My sympathy is with you!

 

 

I think I can agree with this.  Especially when it comes to keeping them contained and moving them to a new nest.

[William. T]

What ta Tar Heel Ants formicarium would you recommend for a colony of 30 workers and three queens? The workers killed one of them for no reason, and a lot of workers died. I havejep them in a heated test tube for a day now, and I want proper housing.

[Ants4fun]

Growth chamber, devolve chamber, talus, mini hearth are the ones that come to mind.

[Myrmicinae]

Here is an interesting article on this subject:

http://www4.ncsu.edu...010 PLoSone.pdf

[Foogoo]

I have mine in a Talus with a small nest and they seem happy.

[William. T]

This species is one of those that you can't even use fluon in, it seems. You have to use a solid barrier. B. T.W, should I add more workers I catch outside to the colony to augment it? I am currently feeding them on a water bottle cap with a wet cotton of sugar water.