2 replies to this topic

[rivkah]

Hi,

Does anyone know of a listing of estimated mature colony size of various ant species? 

I am particular about mature colony size, and it is the bit of information I have the hardest time finding.

 

I think that there would be nothing worth that finding that beautiful queen, watching a colony grow and grow, eventually outgrowing one's space or ability to keep it-- then what do you do?

.

I currently keep 9 different ant species (11 colonies in total), with my oldest colonies being almost 10 years old.  Each requires only a small amount of space.   

 

Thank you in advance for any information or direction you can provide.

[Manitobant]

An almost 10 year old ant colony should definitely be at mature size. Also, most ant colonies in captivity don’t reach as large of a size as they would in the wild, so you don’t really have to worry about them getting too out of control.

Edited by Manitobant, July 1 2022 - 1:35 PM.

[FloridaAnts]

Hi,
Does anyone know of a listing of estimated mature colony size of various ant species? 
I am particular about mature colony size, and it is the bit of information I have the hardest time finding.
 
I think that there would be nothing worth that finding that beautiful queen, watching a colony grow and grow, eventually outgrowing one's space or ability to keep it-- then what do you do?
.
I currently keep 9 different ant species (11 colonies in total), with my oldest colonies being almost 10 years old.  Each requires only a small amount of space.   
 
Thank you in advance for any information or direction you can provide.

Some species will not mature with enough space and food. Some will limit the ants nesting space, and limit food given. This actually works for me, so…

What species do you have? Many Camponotus we are unsure of the mature colony size, due to them having satellite nests and like Manitobot said, they do not reach as large of a colony in captivity than in the wild