7 replies to this topic

[alwayslearning]

I hope you are well.

Several of the Myrmecocystus colonies I have (navajo, mimicus, mexicanus) have come in test tubes containing sand. 

Is this importance for this species? Should I keep the sand or can I remove it?

I don't know if it is just a nice touch to recall their desert origin or something that plays a vital role.

Thanks for your time.

[MrPurpleB]

Myrmecocystus use the that sand to help form cocoons for the larvae to pupate. It's more than just an aesthetic choice.

[alwayslearning]

Thanks a lot, MrPurpleB.

I am adding that to my notes. Have a great week.

 

Myrmecocystus use the that sand to help form cocoons for the larvae to pupate. It's more than just an aesthetic choice.

[alwayslearning]

Myrmecocystus use the that sand to help form cocoons for the larvae to pupate. It's more than just an aesthetic choice.

I hope you are well.
I should have asked this before, but I didn’t.
Any kind of sand? Or a particular kind? Remember that I am newbie.
The one that I have seen usually is reddish/brown color, no the common aquarium sand.
I want to be sure I am adding the proper info to my notes.
Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SleepyAsianAnter]

You need to move them out, the sand is there for founding colonies to form their first batch of pupae, after this, they need hanging space for repletes or the queen will get stressed. They will still need sand in their new nest though, I use zoomed reptisand, it's fine quartz sand and it comes in several colors

[alwayslearning]

You need to move them out, the sand is there for founding colonies to form their first batch of pupae, after this, they need hanging space for repletes or the queen will get stressed. They will still need sand in their new nest though, I use zoomed reptisand, it's fine quartz sand and it comes in several colors

 

Thanks a lot! I will take a look to it!

At which stage should I move them? More or less when they reach what number?

Is this something that applies for ALL Myrmecocystus species?

Also, do you have good formicarium to recommend? I will appreciate your advice. 

[SleepyAsianAnter]

 

You need to move them out, the sand is there for founding colonies to form their first batch of pupae, after this, they need hanging space for repletes or the queen will get stressed. They will still need sand in their new nest though, I use zoomed reptisand, it's fine quartz sand and it comes in several colors

 

Thanks a lot! I will take a look to it!

At which stage should I move them? More or less when they reach what number?

Is this something that applies for ALL Myrmecocystus species?

Also, do you have good formicarium to recommend? I will appreciate your advice. 

 

 

I would personally recommend after first generation of workers, when they have between 10 and 20 workers, they're a pain to feed in their test tube. This recommendation applies to all myrmecocystus that will form repetes. You have many options, the most popular is the THA minihearth or minihearth xl, but they're pretty expensive. You can also use bamboo tubes. Also, there are guides on how to make "chambered nests" out of plaster and sand made by kiedeerk on this forum, but the materials may not be worth buying if you're only going to make 1 or 2.

[Chickalo]

 

 

You need to move them out, the sand is there for founding colonies to form their first batch of pupae, after this, they need hanging space for repletes or the queen will get stressed. They will still need sand in their new nest though, I use zoomed reptisand, it's fine quartz sand and it comes in several colors

 

Thanks a lot! I will take a look to it!

At which stage should I move them? More or less when they reach what number?

Is this something that applies for ALL Myrmecocystus species?

Also, do you have good formicarium to recommend? I will appreciate your advice. 

 

 

I would personally recommend after first generation of workers, when they have between 10 and 20 workers, they're a pain to feed in their test tube. This recommendation applies to all myrmecocystus that will form repetes. You have many options, the most popular is the THA minihearth or minihearth xl, but they're pretty expensive. You can also use bamboo tubes. Also, there are guides on how to make "chambered nests" out of plaster and sand made by kiedeerk on this forum, but the materials may not be worth buying if you're only going to make 1 or 2.

 

Could you send the link?  I accidentally deleted the bookmark...