July 27, 2024: Shiny Ants [~20 workers]
One of the very first colonies I received from Stateside Ants (ENDER5 for 5% off). This was a very healthy and active colony with around 20 workers. Super happy to get them again after my queen died randomly from my first colony I had 5 years ago.
The queen sitting on her mighty throne made of cotton.
Gave them honey for the first time.
Toilet area. Forgot how messy they can be.
August 19, 2024: Is it time to move? [14 workers]
Leaving on a trip for a few weeks, so giving them more water was a must. Definitely did not want to risk losing this colony to dehydration while I was away. Also I wanted them to move into this Mini Hearth XL. Let's see if this heat entices them to move in.
Sadly the colony has lost a few workers. Old age or lack of food? Not sure. I was giving them dandelion seeds every week. Whenever I give them food, they're always at the ready to collect it.
I attached their test tube via sticky tack and made a makeshift stand to be at level with the side opening of the formicarium. Works pretty well!
November 11, 2024: Move Day!.. Almost. [85 workers]
Yesterday I saw the queen and most of the brood had finally migrated on their own to the formicarium now that their test tube had run dry. All of their seeds were still in the test tube though, so I let them be to see if they would move their seeds as well. Today however, they moved back into the test tube. Guess they were just renting it out for the day.
I did a count for the first time in months and was surprised they had so many workers. It didn't look like it from afar, but they were really growing in here.
I still haven't cleaned out their trash. This is my sign to now that it's taken up half of the outworld.
Besides dandelion seeds, I've also given them fish food which they enjoy consuming.
Their seed pile is starting to reach the ceiling of the test tube now.
Thoughts:
Probably one of my favorite ant species to keep. Possibly even my favorite type of harvester ants. I don't know what it is exactly that makes me enjoy keeping these ants so much, maybe it's because they look so shiny and smooth. Maybe it's because they remind me of small moving rocks. Whatever it is, I'm excited to start growing their colony and finally keeping these ants again 
Edited by Ender Ants, Yesterday, 4:14 AM.
