13 replies to this topic

[LIExotics]

Hey everyone. So I made 2 homemade formicariums for my aphaenogaster rudis colonies. Small colonies, 10 workers approx. But they're really cool, and amazing feeding response. Check it out: https://imgur.com/gallery/oD9xtM6

[ZTYguy]

I do believe that due to hydration of the wood, you will experience mold growth. I would disconnect them as soon as possible. Also Aphaenogaster rudis to my knowledge are not wood dwelling species. 

[LIExotics]

According to antwiki they live a lot in rotting wood. Plus that was where I found both colonies. But, I have springtails in there to prevent mold. But, if I do see any mold growth, I will definitely switch them out to a plastic formicarium. But, if the springtails do their job, hopefully no mold will grow.

[OiledOlives]

I do believe that due to hydration of the wood, you will experience mold growth. I would disconnect them as soon as possible. Also Aphaenogaster rudis to my knowledge are not wood dwelling species. 

I have found 10s of colonies of rudis in wood lol. I have kept this species in wood nests and they have flourished. 

[LIExotics]

They really are an incredible species. I love how slim and sleek they are. I love their aggressive feeding response. And when feeding them some fruit flies the other day, I found out they jump. Like a spider. The fly was running past an ant and the sucker jumped onto the fly. It was incredible to watch. Then sprayed it with what I'm assuming is formic acid. I'm still learning a lot about this species every day. I never even heard about it until I had them ID'ed. But I've got 3 colonies. The first colony I caught is now up to about 35 workers and over 100 eggs and brood. It's been a pleasure watching them grow in just 3 months from 5 to 6 workers to over 30.

[T.C.]

They'll nest in wood. But due to the moisture and not much airflow. You'll see mold soon and they will die.

[OiledOlives]

My wood nest molded and they were still fine. No need to be so gloomy.

[T.C.]

My wood nest molded and they were still fine. No need to be so gloomy.

I didn't give a time frame. But eventually it will kill them. Mold spreads and they can't nest in an entirely moldy nest.

[LIExotics]

That's why I have springtails in there. Springtails feed on mold. And in every enclosure in my house that has the potential to have mold, I never have any mold. The springtails make sure of that.

[T.C.]

That's why I have springtails in there. Springtails feed on mold. And in every enclosure in my house that has the potential to have mold, I never have any mold. The springtails make sure of that.

That can definitely help. I keep them in most of my enclosures. But it depends on the type of mold, it can still get out of hands.

[Canadant]

Hey everyone. So I made 2 homemade formicariums for my aphaenogaster rudis colonies. Small colonies, 10 workers approx. But they're really cool, and amazing feeding response. Check it out: https://imgur.com/gallery/oD9xtM6

I wanted to do those style of formicarium too. How did you hollow the eclosures and tunnels? What type of wood is that? And how long did it take?

I tried on a 2x4 with mu dremel and it was a painstakingly slow process so I gave up. 😞

[dspdrew]

I had a wood nest build exactly like my Dirt Box nests, and it molded at first, but then after book lice started multiplying in there, every last bit of the mold was gobbled up. I even got a macro video of them feasting on it.