19 replies to this topic

[cap_backfire]

So reading about the median depth of most species of ants, they burrow up to 7 feet deep, on average.    Then researching the cost of plexiglass, it occurred to me that at some point I could create something truly massive for my ants so I have a question on possible coolness of an idea I just put in the header of this topic... 

Would a 2' wide, 4' high, 1' deep formicarium, wall mounted, be something awesome or something completely a waste of time?   THe only REAL difficulty I can imagine is getting a good seal on the sides and bottom.   Also is 1 inch just too wide to see their actual chambers or do you think they would build out to that depth?   Basically would it be a waste of time, or do you have recommendations on different specs?   

This project would not be worked on for about 2 years yet... I still have to build a massive vivarium to breed skinks in a bioactive situation.   

So speculate with me!   

Thinking of a Camponotus species now that I can order discolor from other states (TarHeel now has them from time to time).    I feel like something large still might use that 1 inch space enough to make some chambers against the glass and their nests usually run about 60cm, so I'd have room at the bottom for some water to help humidity and at the top for an "outworld."   Basically a huge Uncle Milton's setup only... You know... GOOD.   

[ANTdrew]

I think it could work, but it might be overkill for Camponotus. Also, I’d go for a much thinner depth for better observation.

[cap_backfire]

I was thinking about a thinner depth too but that brings up it's own challenges... I have an idea on how to overcome those challenges but nothing finite... Like... as a simple fix I could simply use bic pen barrels as spacers, then seal the edges with plastic edging.  My mind is kind of racing.   Could also mount an outworld at the top that is quite a bit deeper for them, like 2' wide by 5" tall x 6" deep.   Something along those lines... Still VERY early planning stages but of course I'm already excited. 

[cap_backfire]

What is a species you would reccomend for a setup with these specs? 

[UtahAnts]

You would want a large species of ant that have extremely large colonies. I'm sure some species of mound building and/or polygynous formica could comfortably live in one of these "super-milton" ant farms.

[Manitobant]

Lasius would be perfect in one of these, especially the parasitic subgenera acanthomyops and chthonolasius. they nest very deep in the ground and many species are subterranean in nature.

Edited by Manitobant, June 23 2021 - 4:14 PM.

[cap_backfire]

I have a formica subsecaria colony now that is currently about 20 ants and the queen that I could use... possibly put the thief ants I want in the formicarium as well as that would be so interesting to observe.   

[Kaelwizard]

I have a formica subsecaria colony now that is currently about 20 ants and the queen that I could use... possibly put the thief ants I want in the formicarium as well as that would be so interesting to observe.

Formica subsericea* but yeah, they could probably work once the colony matures.

[cap_backfire]

It'll be two years from now before this gets built but I LOVE to plan ahead.   I think they'll be ready by then if she keeps producing eggs like she has been!  

Also thanks, as always, for all the help and spellchecking!   HAHHAH, I'm learning so much from you awesome people.  

Edited by cap_backfire, June 24 2021 - 8:01 AM.

[Kaelwizard]

It'll be two years from now before this gets built but I LOVE to plan ahead. I think they'll be ready by then if she keeps producing eggs like she has been!
Also thanks, as always, for all the help and spellchecking! HAHHAH, I'm learning so much from you awesome people.

Happy to help and good luck!

[ANTdrew]

Formica love to dig! They do best in soil setups, too. They would be a good choice, but you’d need A LOT of patience to get the colony to a large size. I bet they would tunnel all through the space, though, even if they didn’t need it. They like having a big maze of tunnels to run through during their trademark freak-outs.

[cap_backfire]

JHAHAHA trademark freakouts is right.   Every time I open their test tube setup they lose their minds.   It reminds me of cartoon mass panic scenes, everyone running around aimlessly, flailing their arms and screaming.  

Question about Formica... Mine have a sugar tube and a water tube but they don't seem interested in cricket parts or honey directly on a "plate."   Any tips for feeding these guys?>   I kind of FOUND this colony so don't know much about their care.   Well, I'm doing the basics you would for any ants and gave them soil to burrow in in the tiny plastic box connector thing they have.   

 

Now I might build this setup before my vivarium for no reason.  PATIENCE!  Wait for them to get grown!!  HAHAHAAH

[ANTdrew]

Feed the small insects or small pieces of larger insects they can snatch and drag to safety. Try termites if you can find them.

[Manitobant]

A large pogonomyrmex occidentalis colony would do good in one of these if it was a sand setup, and they grow much faster than formica.

[cap_backfire]

I thought about Pogonomyrmex too... do they need to hibernate?   I don't know how I would hibernate a colony in a nest setup like this... HAHAAHAH, freon directly applied??? Kidding, it would be impossible.  

[Antkeeper01]

Formica love to dig! They do best in soil setups, too. They would be a good choice, but you’d need A LOT of patience to get the colony to a large size. I bet they would tunnel all through the space, though, even if they didn’t need it. They like having a big maze of tunnels to run through during their trademark freak-outs.

I've seen colonies this big in Breckenridge i thought one of their mounds was just a mound of dirt and stepped on it... big mistake hudereds of them bit and sprayed me

Edited by Antkeeper01, June 24 2021 - 10:28 AM.

[Manitobant]

I thought about Pogonomyrmex too... do they need to hibernate?   I don't know how I would hibernate a colony in a nest setup like this... HAHAAHAH, freon directly applied??? Kidding, it would be impossible.

the ones here can go without it, and the ones in the southwest don’t hibernate at all. Hibernation would be an issue with pretty much every species in your area though, including formica.

[cap_backfire]

 

I thought about Pogonomyrmex too... do they need to hibernate?   I don't know how I would hibernate a colony in a nest setup like this... HAHAAHAH, freon directly applied??? Kidding, it would be impossible.

the ones here can go without it, and the ones in the southwest don’t hibernate at all. Hibernation would be an issue with pretty much every species in your area though, including formica.

 

Sorry, I wasn't very clear.   I was wondering about Pogonomyrmex, specifically if I got them from Tarheel Ants.  It looks like he hibernates his but he also mentions that there is little to no scientific evidence that hibernation is required for ants, but it's used to better replicate their conditions in the wild-which is obviously better in providing the best husbandry.   I have a discolor colony that doesn't hibernate at all (I didn't know any better and bought them over state lines from a less than reputable fella) that might be large enough to benefit from a colony this large at some point but... I'm liking the idea of Pogonomyrmex.   If lack of hibernation is not an issue, or a moderate to minimal issue... I think that's the route I'll go in.  Especially since I Have no seed-eating ants (unless they like... all take seeds) 

[ANTdrew]

An unheated basement would be ideal for hibernating. On the other hand, Mack keeps his huge Formica colony at room temperature all winter, and they still go dormant. He says they don’t require cold to hibernate. Something to think about...

[cap_backfire]

Good to know, AntDrew!   I imagine most of my hibernating colonies will have to choose dormancy unless I can find a mini-fridge for that basement this summer.  Basically buying a fridge for ants... Insane.  If you asked me even a year ago if I would ever consider buying not only ants, but a refrigerator for ants... I'd say you were deluded.   Now... Money is no object!  My daughter can go without diapers for a month, right?