15 replies to this topic

[Camponauto_desperado]

Hello!

Currently, I am thinking of getting into ant keeping.

Can anyone give me some information on ant keeping and what a good beginner ant species would be?

I'd like to get an ant that doesn't hibernate, but it's fine if it does, doesn't need heat, and is decent in size.

Thank you!

Edited by Camponauto_desperado, September 13 2024 - 6:32 AM.

[Ants_Dakota]

Hello!

Currently, I am thinking of getting into ant keeping.

Can anyone give me some information on ant keeping and what a good beginner ant species would be?

I'd like to get an ant that doesn't hibernate, doesn't need heat, and is decent in size.

Thank you!

Good morning. It would help if you let us know what location you are from so we can base recommendations on ants that you are able to get. I personally recommend looking for your own queens this or next year, as local ants are the most rewarding to keep, however I will assist you if you would like to purchase ants too. As for a formicarium, here is a great option.

[Camponauto_desperado]

Thank You!

Currently in the north Texas area. I would like to find them, but if I can't find them, I'll just buy some.

[ANTdrew]

Welcome! Read this guide carefully. Be aware that almost all ants need some level of heat to thrive; 80-82 degrees is ideal. 

Edited by ANTdrew, September 13 2024 - 6:39 AM.

[cooIboyJ]

You should be able to find some ants where you live, since I am not familiar with the ants of north texas you can check inaturalist for ant species in your area. There is a very common ant species that does live near you that does not need hibernation or heat, but it is very tiny. The ant is Brachymyrmex patagonicus, which are a good beginner ant and they are not very light sensitive. If you do not like this ant species then check inaturalist for more ant species, then look them up to see what they require. I hope this helps!

[Ants_Dakota]

There are several ants that can satisfy your criteria of does not need diapause, easy for beginners, and are large enough to see clearly (I see you edited it to say they can have diapause, so I will include a species I appreciate as well). As a preface to everything I say, most species will need to be heated if kept inside for optimal growth. Most users use reptile heating cables such as this one found here. Probably the simplest ant to keep and not kill is an invasive species, Tetramorium immigrans. They can be found for sale here, and a journal documenting their growth can be seen here. They grow to a medium size and have super fast growth. Another option is Pheidole bicarinata, which is sold here or here. While I have not kept this species, I do know they have super fast growth. Someone else with personal experience can better explain them than I. While both of the aforementioned species do not need diapause, this next one does. Lasius neoniger is one of my favorite species, and can be found here. I have a journal documenting my colonies here. These three ants are medium sized, grow fast even in unideal conditions, and are difficult to kill without a major issue. I hope this helps!

[Camponauto_desperado]

Thanks!

I will make sure to look into those ant species.

Can you recommend some ant keeping supplies?

[Camponauto_desperado]

I have a friend who recommended some camponotus species.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this idea?

Thanks!

[Ants_Dakota]

Thanks!

I will make sure to look into those ant species.

Can you recommend some ant keeping supplies?

The link for Por Amor I had in my first post should do. They have nearly everything you will need.

I have a friend who recommended some camponotus species.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this idea?

Thanks!

Camponotus are fun, but they are slow growing, prone to spontaneous death, and do need diapause. You may wish to start with an easier species first.

[Camponauto_desperado]

Thank you for your feedback.

I think I'll stick with Pheidole bicarinata

Thanks!

[ruth]

Hello, I am still a begginer too, I have only raised a camponotus colony but sadly they died. Here are some species you could start with: Solenopsis Invicta (fire ant), Camponotus(Carpenter ants) or the Paratrechina longicornis (Crazy ant). Some species I wouldn't recommend are the leaf cutter ants, the Odontomachus clarus, the Oechophylla smaragdina or other exotic ants.

[cooIboyJ]

Any ant that you catch from your area you can keep, so any queens that you catch you should try to keep.

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

Hello, I am still a begginer too, I have only raised a camponotus colony but sadly they died. Here are some species you could start with: Solenopsis Invicta (fire ant), Camponotus(Carpenter ants) or the Paratrechina longicornis (Crazy ant). Some species I wouldn't recommend are the leaf cutter ants, the Odontomachus clarus, the Oechophylla smaragdina or other exotic ants.

i wouldn't keep crazy ants as a starter

[Full_Frontal_Yeti]

Some kind of harvester ant would be my recommend. good first time ant species in terms of ease of care and common availability anywhere USA. I'm sure enjoying pogonomyrmex occidentalis. But if i were in Tx. I'd want to keep Pogonomyrmex Barbatus. Kind of the same, but larger.

I would avoid any of the fungus farmer ants(leaf cutters), those are hard to keep as you are keeping an environment for both the fungus and the ants. And the fungus is generally very sensitive/easy to kill off, making those a high challenge rating ant to try and keep.

Additionally i'd look for an ant that did not require diapause (hibernation). Just simpler to not need to provide environment for them that's a constant cold refrigerator temp. Mostly undisturbed, but check on them for water once in a while.
My pogonomyrmex will, but they do that in response to harsh times, rather than as a built in clockwork the way most Campanotes (carpenter ants) seem to. Some colonies can sleep half the year or more, leaving you with chores to keep them but nothing to enjoy for long stretches.
My pogonomyrmex remain out and active year round to observe/enjoy.


 

Edited by Full_Frontal_Yeti, September 13 2024 - 3:53 PM.

[ruth]

By the way, here are some ant stores for you to get a formicarium.

[ruth]

By the way, here are some ant stores and channels for you to learn more.

Ant stores
Azcalli
Anthouse
Ants HQ
W-ants
Imperio hormiga

Channels
Ants canada
El mundo de las hormigas
Texants

Edited by ruth, September 13 2024 - 4:32 PM.