2 replies to this topic

[azzaaazzzz00]

I've never actualy kept a colony before that had multiple queens in it (besides that Solenopsis Molesta colony, but that didn't last very long). So, anybody know different species of ants that are polygynous (in North America, NJ/New Jersy). Also, I'm not thatt big of an idiot and I do know some polygynous species of ants, I just don't know where they're native to.

Edited by azzaaazzzz00, November 18 2021 - 10:43 AM.

[Manitobant]

Many species of ants in north america are polygynous, way too many to name here. Some of the most common examples are stuff like tapinoma, brachymyrmex, solenopsis, myrmica, monomorium and temnothorax.

[rptraut]

I have identified some mystery ants that I have as Myrmica rubra, European Fire Ants.  I take it they are an invasive species that should not be released.  I think they aren't all that common around here, although I did find six small colonies while hunting for acorn ants this fall.  Seems they like to found colonies in acorns as well as walnuts.  I have already installed one larger colony in a founding formicarium and I would like to combine the other five into one colony in a larger formicarium.  I have no idea how many queens are in each acorn.  If I open up each acorn/walnut in the outworld will they all move into the formicarium and combine into one colony, or is it better to release them one at a time and let each colony stake out it's own nest space.   I am excited to raise these ants as I see from videos that they are very animated and grow quickly.  Thanks for your help