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Making a Formicarium


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4 replies to this topic

#1 Offline antboyidaho - Posted June 14 2023 - 3:59 PM

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Do you think that this box is big enough to house a colony for its first formicarium if set up in the manner shown here? Thanks so much for the advice!


Colonies:
One Formica Podzolica queen in a test tube setup.


#2 Offline Miles - Posted June 14 2023 - 7:48 PM

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Unfortunately, I have found that these specific boxes from Pioneer Plastics don't have tight fitting lids, meaning that small to medium ants may get past the lid -- be sure to use a barrier such as Fluon if you are containing small ants with these boxes. Unfortunately, I suspect this particular model is too short to be useful for what you are envisioning. Try this one instead: https://amzn.to/3NcMNl0https://amzn.to/3NcMNl0

 

I'd also highlight the significant cost savings if you choose the bulk options, rather than ordering a single box. Otherwise, they are good, affordable boxes. Our lab uses a lot of Pioneer Plastics and AMAC boxes, and I laser-cut acrylic for speciality boxes too.

 

Also, hi! I grew up in Moscow, Idaho and had very few fellow ant keepers from the state, so it's nice to see another Idahoan in the hobby.

 

Cheers,

 

M


Edited by Miles, June 14 2023 - 7:53 PM.

PhD Student & NSF Graduate Research Fellow | University of Florida Dept. of Entomology & Nematology - Lucky Ant Lab 

 

Founder & Director of The Ant Network. Ant keeper since 2009. Insect ecologist and science communicator. He/Him.


#3 Offline AntsCali098 - Posted June 14 2023 - 8:00 PM

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I think the hobby lobby display cases work great as well and are cheaper.

Interested buying in ants? Feel free to check out my shop

Feel free to read my journals, like this one.

 

Wishlist:

Atta sp (wish they were in CA), Crematogaster cerasi, Most Pheidole species

 

 


#4 Offline Miles - Posted June 14 2023 - 8:08 PM

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I think the hobby lobby display cases work great as well and are cheaper.

Yes, and they are manufactured by the same company (Pioneer Plastics) and sold by Hobby Lobby.


  • AntsCali098 likes this

PhD Student & NSF Graduate Research Fellow | University of Florida Dept. of Entomology & Nematology - Lucky Ant Lab 

 

Founder & Director of The Ant Network. Ant keeper since 2009. Insect ecologist and science communicator. He/Him.


#5 Offline ANTdrew - Posted June 15 2023 - 3:39 AM

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I highly recommend looking for a Hobby Lobby near you. They have excellent display cases in various sizes that are often on sale for 50% off. 


"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.




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