23 replies to this topic

[Bugmomma]

Hey guys! I am new here and new to ants along with keeping other various bugs. My son is 14 going on 15 year old son was gifted a Formicarium for Christmas and we are now trying to decide the best route to go for him ant wise. Attached is are Formicarium after decorating earlier tonight. Was hoping to get some insight on types. A non-climbing and non-biting/stinging species would be preferred for ease of cleaning on his part. However we are really open to possibilities.

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Edited by Bugmomma, December 21 2020 - 6:06 PM.

[ZTYguy]

All I can think is a large Camponotus species and I mean large or Pogonomyrmex but they stings although you can see them so it wouldn’t be a problem to get out of their way.

[ZTYguy]

Oh, get fluon

[Bugmomma]

We were thinking a Camponotus possibly, he was actually intrigued by a slower growing colony.

[ZTYguy]

That’s cool, I can find some vendors on here. What size colony do you want?

Edited by ZTYguy, December 21 2020 - 6:17 PM.

[Bugmomma]

I was hoping to get one ready to move into a nest. So maybe 25+ workers? That would be awesome.

[ZTYguy]

Ok, I’ll go a lookin

[TennesseeAnts]

We were thinking a Camponotus possibly, he was actually intrigued by a slower growing colony.

There's a user by the name of ANTdrew that can help you.

[Bugmomma]

We were thinking a Camponotus possibly, he was actually intrigued by a slower growing colony.

There's a user by the name of ANTdrew that can help you.

I was lurking around earlier and actually saw him. Maybe I'll check in

[ZTYguy]

Yeah, check him out

[Devi]

 

We were thinking a Camponotus possibly, he was actually intrigued by a slower growing colony.

There's a user by the name of ANTdrew that can help you.

 

I can confirm, ANTdrew is the best.  

[ANTdrew]

PM sent! I won’t have any Camponotus until at least April. Tetramorium could be a good beginner ant that isn’t great at climbing.
Does that formicarium have a lid?

[OhNoNotAgain]

Looks like an AntWorldUSA formicarium. Which is the brand I use to keep my Tetramorium in (yes, these are the Tetramorium that destroyed the Fluon, ate the olive oil, and are now contained with mineral oil). However, the climbing wall goes right up to near the top so I'm a little concerned about escapees.

Personally I would go for Camponotus but Tetras are definitely hardy and easy to keep.

Edited by OhNoNotAgain, December 21 2020 - 8:43 PM.

[Bugmomma]

Looks like an AntWorldUSA formicarium. Which is the brand I use to keep my Tetramorium in (yes, these are the Tetramorium that destroyed the Fluon, ate the olive oil, and are now contained with mineral oil). However, the climbing wall goes right up to near the top so I'm a little concerned about escapees.
Personally I would go for Camponotus but Tetras are definitely hardy and easy to keep.

Yes, it's an AntWorldUSA formicarium. It's quiet cute and too Antdrew, yes, it has a tight fitting lid!

[Ants_Dakota]

 

 

We were thinking a Camponotus possibly, he was actually intrigued by a slower growing colony.

There's a user by the name of ANTdrew that can help you.

I was lurking around earlier and actually saw him. Maybe I'll check in

 

wow! caught an ANTdrew in his native environment! A cool find!

i would recommend camponotus, as it grows slower than tetramorium, and it is easy to see the whole life cycle of an ant.

[AleeGuy]

yay! One more VA keeper! Are you in North VA?

[Bugmomma]

yay! One more VA keeper! Are you in North VA?

Central, in the Fredericksburg area

[AleeGuy]

 

yay! One more VA keeper! Are you in North VA?

Central, in the Fredericksburg area

KitsAntVA lives in central too

Edited by AleeGuy, December 22 2020 - 12:52 PM.

[KitsAntVa]

Yes central Va home of the ants. I have around 40-50 species in my front and back yard. If you look good enough I’m sure you could find a ton to.

[OhNoNotAgain]

I lived briefly in VA and, while I never kept ants there, I remember well the climate and the lush vegetation. I can only imagine the species diversity.