5 replies to this topic

[Izzy]

Found what I think are Solenopsis molesta queens (thief ants) tonight under a rock in the mountains. Someone on Reddit thought this is what they were but I thought I'd double check and see what y'all thought. Also, knowing the reputation of fire ants, would I be insane to keep these? Seems like with 5 queens the growth could be explosive. Open to any tips since this is my first year ant keeping and definitely don't want these getting loose.

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[Virginian_ants]

They are Molesta group queens you are good.

[Izzy]

They are Molesta group queens you are good.

 

Are they just not as intense as the regular fire ants?

[Virginian_ants]

I don't think they have stingers and if they do they deal no pain and they are tiny. The only thing you have to worry about is that they are tiny and are good at escaping.

[Izzy]

I don't think they have stingers and if they do they deal no pain and they are tiny. The only thing you have to worry about is that they are tiny and are good at escaping.

 

Great news! I've got a Monomorium minimum colony so hopefully it'll just be similar! Double fluon barrier needed since they seem to be able to crawl under a Mini Hearth lid.

[That_one_ant_guy]

I don't think they have stingers and if they do they deal no pain and they are tiny. The only thing you have to worry about is that they are tiny and are good at escaping.

molesta workers do indeed have stingers, they only hurt if you leave them on your arm and don't notice for a little while