8 replies to this topic

[Cmullally]

Hello all,

My name is Chris and glad to be here learning. So far I have immensely enjoyed this hobby, or obsession.. nit sure yet. Currently I have one colony of Pogonomyrmex barbatus that are doing really well, in a tube with a small outward. I have a small Esthetic ants nest coming and a larger outworld for when they are ready. I have a desert formica queen that is doing well but thought I would see more activity going on. And looking to pick up a colony of Myrmecocystus mexicanus that are ready to move into a mini hearth. Just have to order it tonight. It has been fun and interesting so far.

Looking forward to getting to know you all more and learn.

[Ants_Dakota]

Hello all,

My name is Chris and glad to be here learning. So far I have immensely enjoyed this hobby, or obsession.. nit sure yet. Currently I have one colony of Pogonomyrmex barbatus that are doing really well, in a tube with a small outward. I have a small Esthetic ants nest coming and a larger outworld for when they are ready. I have a desert formica queen that is doing well but thought I would see more activity going on. And looking to pick up a colony of Myrmecocystus mexicanus that are ready to move into a mini hearth. Just have to order it tonight. It has been fun and interesting so far.

Looking forward to getting to know you all more and learn.

Excellent collection, and welcome to the forum! Glad to hear you are putting your test tubes into an outworld; in my opinion that increases the likelihood of your ants making it to formicarium size by a lot. I would love to see a journal on your Formica colony as a Formica collector myself. South Dakota has quite the diversity but we don't have some of the beautiful desert varieties you all have down there! The lack of activity is not unusual at all if you are feeding them well; it is just the colony preserving resources. Keep up the good work!

[ANTdrew]

Welcome to the forum! I recommend to get more experience with standard types of ants before spending a lot for Myrmecocystus. A lot of people have trouble raising them, and they cost an arm and a leg.

Edited by ANTdrew, February 20 2025 - 12:05 PM.

[AntsGodzilla]

Hello Cmullally,

Welcome to formiculture! I hope you have a great time here and can learn more about the ant keeping hobby! Myrmecocystus Mexicanus is one of the harder to keep species, even compared to other myrmecocystus. But since you already bought them, I'm sure many people will be happy to help and answer all your questions! Good luck!

Edited by AntsGodzilla, February 20 2025 - 2:45 PM.

[Cmullally]

Hello Cmullally,
Welcome to formiculture! I hope you have a great time here and can learn more about the ant keeping hobby! Myrmecocystus Mexicanus is one of the harder to keep species, even compared to other myrmecocystus. But since you already bought them, I'm sure many people will be happy to help and answer all your questions! Good luck!

What makes them harder to keep?

[AntsGodzilla]

The colonies will get huge, they are picky eaters, and myrmecocystus in general have special care requirements. But they aren't impossible to own, many people here have kept them at some point and I'm sure they'll help you out.

[mbullock42086]

another arizonian! Welcome!

   for mexicanus you'll need to provide them with loose sand, its required for their cocoons.

[Cmullally]

another arizonian! Welcome!
   for mexicanus you'll need to provide them with loose sand, its required for their cocoons.

I saw that, I am just not quite sure what is the best sand or best way to purchase it.

[ANTdrew]

I imagine the best sand would be some you collect from an area that has these ants present. Make sure to sterilize it first, though. Really any play sand should work if it’s just natural sand without any additives.