I have always been fascinated with the insect world and ants were up at the top of my list as a kid. My parents didn't approve much since harvester ants typically pack a mean little sting. I also happen to be somewhat allergic to that sting. I still like keeping them. Now as an adult with a house of my own and an incredibly supportive husband who thinks ants are just as cool as I do, I am beginning to build a collection.
I have around 10 queens I believe to be Forelius sp. They are so tiny. Two Myrmecocystus queens. I'm not exactly sure on their species. Two Novomessor Cockerelli queens. And two little tiny harvester looking queens I am pretty sure are infertile. I plan on keeping my eyes out for more of the larger species such as harvesters and honeypots. I know we have a second species of honeypot on the property though I have never found the nests. In my defense there's 70 acres to search and its all bordered by more undisturbed land perfect for ants. And going out at night is difficult as we have a huge population of rattlesnakes that come out at night just like most honeypots.
In addition to the ants, I own 6 and counting ball pythons. One of them is gravid, just waiting on eggs now. I own rats for snake food and pets. One very dorky looking dog. And a beautiful mare who is pregnant and still squirelling away her baby as she nears 400 days pregnant.
Edited by FeistysWitch, July 2 2020 - 4:27 AM.
, Ponera pennsylvanica, and Pheidole morrisi! 
