7 replies to this topic

[Leptomyrmx]

Today I was checking my grandparents' pool for any queen ants, and I saw something that look like a formcine, but nothing I'd seen before.

Then I saw it. They were holding aphids!

I knew they were Acropyga and I caught 6 queens, 3 of which I am selling. (Acropyga sp. Queens for sale - Ants Online)

The other 3 I'm keeping. But the question is, how?

I have them in test tube setups with dirt and a small plant with roots. Is there a better way to keep them alive while still being able to see them well?

 

Thanks,

Leptomyrmx

[ANTS_KL]

Like I've said in chat, you could try and extremely flat sandwich-style setup with plants inside that the root aphids usually infest.

[ANTS_KL]

Leptomyrmx, my friend Dulneth is currently raising Acropyga as well. He keeps them in a petri-dish with a layer of moist toilet paper on the floor of the dish. He takes roots from Pine Trees and supplies the ants with it so the aphids have a steady supply of food. Currently the aphids in his setup have begun cloning and he also brood boosted the queen with worker pupae. The queen has one egg so far. Maybe you could try this method with one of your queens and see how successful you are?

[Leptomyrmx]

I was thinking something like that could work.

A test tube with roots but no dirt could work too, right?

This is what I have them in now...

Not really ideal, succulent roots might be too small.

But I have plenty of roots in my area and I think this could work, thanks.

Edited by Leptomyrmx, April 11 2022 - 10:22 PM.

[United-Ants]

I was thinking something like that could work.

A test tube with roots but no dirt could work too, right?

This is what I have them in now...

 

Not really ideal, succulent roots might be too small.

But I have plenty of roots in my area and I think this could work, thanks.

i will try this  setup for Brachymyrmex depilis if i find  any this year 

[Manitobant]

Very late, but i imagine one of these closed jar terrariums would work great. They are basically self sustaining and the acropyga could culture their mealybugs on the plant roots.

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Edited by Manitobant, June 10 2022 - 10:11 AM.

[DinoH]

Very late, but i imagine one of these closed jar terrariums would work great. They are basically self sustaining and the acropyga could culture their mealybugs on the plant roots.

But they are cryptic ants. Won’t you never see them again?

[Virginian_ants]

Acropyga might be ants left to watch in the wild even though I would love to keep them I have zero idea on how to keep them and observe them. I also think a sandwich style formicariums is the best idea.