45 replies to this topic

[Manitobant]

If you're looking for an overall exciting species for your son i would recommend solenopsis xyloni. They are very aggressive and fun to watch during feeding time, and they grow very fast so your son won't have to wait long to see some great ant action. They also are very forgiving to mistakes and hard to accidentally kill.

[Antkeeper01]

but you would need to be very careful to make sure thy don't escape as they are a stinging species.

solenopsis xyloni i mean

[Manitobant]

yeah of course but if contained properly with fluon they are likely to be very entertaining for the kid.

[Antkeeper01]

true.....

depending on the age of the kid

[BeerBandit]

yes, i was referring to the acromyrmex being difficult to keep. i completely understand that its not at all suitable for a beginner, and was only half serious about wanting to jump into the deep end with weights on my ankles . also, i was indeed told that they are near me. however, it doesnt rain very often here. especially not during the last few years. even if it does rain soon, i wouldn't even really know where to begin in means of hunting them down. i don't think it woud be a terrible thing if you were to sell the acromyrmex if you didn't know too well how to care for them yourself as long as you made a disclaimer about that. i mean, if people want them, people want them. by the way, everyone, I'm sorry that I'm just reponding to everyones comments all in one post. but I'm not too sure how i would quote everyone to reply in just one post. i have a question, tho. does anyone know if this species of fungus (i forget its latin name) can be cultivated on agar or grain? i grow mushrooms, and basically, that is just cultivating mushrooms... seems like it would be really easy to make an endless supply of "starter kits" for colonies, lol. 

[Manitobant]

true.....
depending on the age of the kid

in my opinion xyloni are always entertaining to anyone who wants to see a colony grow massive in a short time.

Edited by Manitobant, September 17 2020 - 4:22 PM.

[Ants_Dakota]

Honestly, i would take that vicinus deal for 20 dollars. I think you would love the colony.

[Manitobant]

Xyloni queens also fly en masse and are pretty cheap.

[ponerinecat]

Imo most species are a good beginner if you know how to care for them. Instead of going for mainstream ants because other people say so, if you really want the more interesting species, do research. Lots of research. As long as you have a solid basis no species is overly difficult. It may be challenging, but a little challenge is part of any hobby. As long as you want to you can learn how to react to these challenges.

[BeerBandit]

i agree, ponerinecat. but, i havent raised any, so I'm not sure my vote counts, lol. if money wasnt so tight, i would most likely grab a leaf cutter colony as well, but I'm perfectly fine getting my feet wet with a much more common colony

[Manitobant]

As i said getting a solenopsis xyloni colony would probably be your best option. Very forgiving to mistakes and very fun to watch progress from a queen.

[BeerBandit]

i thought i read something about not being able to deal with solenopsis on the market here? or was that only certain ones? if they are fine to have, i would also be interested in those. 

[SleepyAsianAnter]

That's only for the four species listed in the rules, other species are fair game.

[Manitobant]

That is only invicta, which is a destructive invasive species. Solenopsis xyloni is a native species.

[SleepyAsianAnter]

That is only invicta, which is a destructive invasive species. Solenopsis xyloni is a native species.

Also geminata, richteri, and saevissima

[BeerBandit]

ok, i don't quite remember the rules, as i only read them once, right before i made my post . i wasnt sure if it said solenopsis is general, or listed a few. thank you guys for clearing that up for me

[Ants_Dakota]

Check out all the boat loads of sellers that are in your area or state, and see what they offer. I would start there is money is tight, which i totally get.

[BeerBandit]

I've looked at a handful of cali sellers, and messaged them. i can't pretend that moneyy is tight because covid costs a lot. money is always tight as a single father. at least in my situation. 

[OldManTrashcan]

I'm supprised no one has mentioned tetramorium, they're like xyloni but without the stinging risk

Edited by OldManTrashcan, September 18 2020 - 10:03 AM.

[Ants_Dakota]

I'm supprised no one has mentioned tetramorium, they're like xyloni but without the stinging risk

I mean, they grow fast, but they are really tiny and hard to see and enjoy. And they are invasive.