4 replies to this topic

[Kaelwizard]

So I have found a queen of this species and I wanted to know some things about them.

 

1) Can their growth be limited by food intake and temperature? I do not want a gigantic colony of fire ants, but I still want them.

 

2) I've read that they will basically eat anything, but do they have any preferred foods?

 

3) Lastly, how effective is fluon at keeping them in their nest, and is THA sutiable? If so, should I get THA nests designed for tiny species?

[Swirlysnowflake]

I don’t have a lot of experience but my unheated xyloni colony is growing and developing much slower than the heated ones, so I would say temperature does play a role in colony growth. 

[yaboiseth]

1. Yes they sure can. Keep them off heat and less protein and they'll grow slower. At least from what I have seen lol.

 

2. Mine absolutely love fruit flies and mealworms. As for sugars I'm not sure as I only give sunburst.

 

3. Fluon is actually pretty effective at containing them, and THA is acceptable just make sure to inform Mack that they are fire ants. Use small-tiny sized nests.

[yaboiseth]

I had mine on heat for a month and their brood pile like tripled, from like 50+ to about 100-150+ countable larvae and pupae lol. Heat plays a huge role in their growth.

[Kaelwizard]

Thank you both. I might just heat my queen during the founding stage but take her off heat once she gets workers.