8 replies to this topic

[Ants4ever7]

I am pretty new to ant keeping so I would like some advice. I am in Arizona and caught 2 queen ants (of different species) about a month ago. I often hear every week is the best but I would like your opinions. They both have a lot of pupae and when they get their nanitics how often should I check on them and feed them?

[AntsGodzilla]

once a week is good

[Ants4ever7]

Thanks

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

I would say the less the better. I usually check on my founding queens every 1-3 weeks.

[RushmoreAnts]

Less is generally better, it just depends on the species. Many Myrmicinae queens such as Tetramorium, Myrmica, or Solenopsis doesn't really affect their development if you check on them, though some Formicinae queens such as Formica could potentially eat their brood or stunt their growth if checked on too much. As I said, it depends on the species.

[cooIboyJ]

Less is generally better, it just depends on the species. Many Myrmicinae queens such as Tetramorium, Myrmica, or Solenopsis doesn't really affect their development if you check on them, though some Formicinae queens such as Formica could potentially eat their brood or stunt their growth if checked on too much. As I said, it depends on the species.

My Solenopsis Invicta don’t care whenever I check on them and my Brachymyrmex patagonicus (formicinae) don't care when I check on them, and my crematogaster sp. doesn’t care either. So for me most of my ants are fine when I check on them even though people say they shouldn’t be checked on a lot (I still don’t check on them all the time). Also btw what sub-family is crematogaster in?

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

Myrmicinae

[RushmoreAnts]

Yes, in the tribe Crematogastrini, along with Tetramorium and Solenopsis, among others.

[Ants_Dakota]

I might add, vibration also plays a huge role in sensitive species such as formica. Allowing for as little vibration as possible, such as a smooth sliding drawer or a stable base when you move a cloth covering them can help you look at them more often without resulting in brood loss.