4 replies to this topic

[AntsND]

Hello all! 

This is actually my first post on the forum so hello!

Enough of that, I had a question.

What would you recommend for a new(er) ant keeper like me? Brevicornis or Neoniger? You could also say Flavus or Niger.

 

I currently have a pheidole bicarinata colony, so like I said I am not super new to ant keeping.

 

The reason I am asking is because I was considering buying some from Buckeye Myrmecology.

 

I love aggressive and fast growing ants, but I also love observing them. I also love Lasius ants. 

 

I also know that Brevicornis is polygynous, so they can have multiple queens which could in turn outgrow neoniger, correct?

 

Thank you for all the help! 

[AntBoi3030]

Welcome!

 

I've found that Lasius Neoniger tends to grow quicker. Even with multiple queens, Lasius brevicornis tends to grow slowly for the first year or two and then begins to boom. Generally, Lasius neoniger is also more aggressive and active, while brevicornis tends to stick more to their nest. Also, keep in mind that brevicornis is smaller than neoniger. Both species are a lot of fun to keep, and honestly, you can't go wrong with either.

[AntsND]

Welcome!

 

I've found that Lasius Neoniger tends to grow quicker. Even with multiple queens, Lasius brevicornis tends to grow slowly for the first year or two and then begins to boom. Generally, Lasius neoniger is also more aggressive and active, while brevicornis tends to stick more to their nest. Also, keep in mind that brevicornis is smaller than neoniger. Both species are a lot of fun to keep, and honestly, you can't go wrong with either.

Thank you! I am probably going to end up keeping both eventually, but I think Neoniger is a good pick! I love aggressive ants, and they are also like 20 dollars cheaper than Brevicornis. Finances you know?    

[RushmoreAnts]

Hello all! 

This is actually my first post on the forum so hello!

Enough of that, I had a question.

What would you recommend for a new(er) ant keeper like me? Brevicornis or Neoniger? You could also say Flavus or Niger.

 

I currently have a pheidole bicarinata colony, so like I said I am not super new to ant keeping.

 

The reason I am asking is because I was considering buying some from Buckeye Myrmecology.

 

I love aggressive and fast growing ants, but I also love observing them. I also love Lasius ants. 

 

I also know that Brevicornis is polygynous, so they can have multiple queens which could in turn outgrow neoniger, correct?

 

Thank you for all the help! 

 

Welcome to the forum! Yes, brevicornis tends to be shy and reclusive. Their brilliant coloration and polygyne are their only strengths against neoniger. If you're worried about finances, however, neoniger is probably the most abundant species in this part of the country and their queens fly by the thousands around Labor Day. I have several in the fridge right now. I could have collected hundreds if I wanted to.

[AntsND]

yes I remember my cousin catching a Lasius neoniger last fall! Unfortunately he was on vacation to visit us and my parents did not let us keep ants but now I can!