2 replies to this topic

[Attiapete]

Hi there,

I’m new to the hobby and looking to buy my first queen ant. I live near Portland but am happy to drive a few hours away. I’m not looking for any particular species but would prefer a species that’s on the larger side to help prevent escapees.

Best,
Peter

[Full_Frontal_Yeti]

As a noob to this myself i'd suggest what i got going, Pogonomyrmex Occidentalis. The western harvester ant.
They eat mainly fruit and seeds you don't really have to give them insects unless you want to. Ant colony growth rates are directly influenced by the amount bug fat/protien they get basically.

Also this ant is the ant approved for sending via mail in the US as it is already ubiquitous to the states. And as a desert ant so spread out everywhere, they may not need to "hibernate" as commonly if their conditions are kept to consistent spring/summer desert conditions. While lots of ants have a "hibernation" (technical term:diapause) where they go inactive for several months at a time and i notice most people move them into a cold storage situation of some kind.

Look around you may find someone local and get more options on what ant.
But here's what i got going from TarHeelAnts and i am very happy with what i received (a 20+ colony).

my journal here has my noob experiences on this so far(colony with me for 2.5 weeks now)
https://www.formicul...x-occidentalis/

 

the place i got my ants and formicarium from

https://tarheelants....s-for-sale-page

 

i picked this ant for two main reasons:

1: it seemed an easy one to keep that didn't have much in fussy needs, a good starter ant in general.

2: only ant federally legal to mail order here in the states

 

so i got my Ca permit and am totally enthralled by them.

Edited by Full_Frontal_Yeti, February 1 2023 - 9:53 AM.

[Attiapete]

This is awesome info! Thank you! Yeah, I’ve been mainly trying to find a way to get a queen but it seems rather difficult. Will check out the site you mentioned.