9 replies to this topic

[DocNomad7]

Disclosure:

Disclosure Points:

 

I am not a professional ant keeper or scientist, but an amateur hobbyist.

 

I do not condone illegally obtaining any animal, to include ants.

 

I obtain all ants legally either catching them in the wild or purchasing from reputable sources (Stateside Ants, TarHeel Ants)

 

As of now I do not keep non-native species

 

I do my best to provide the best life possible for the animals

 

I welcome critique, but do not welcome unconstructive criticism. Any bullying, gaslighting, or other methods of abuse will be reported to the moderators. Keep it classy. Let's all learn from each other.

Edited by DocNomad7, February 20 2025 - 7:40 AM.

[DocNomad7]

ALL CARE SHEETS ARE BEST KNOWLEDGE AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE WORK OF THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY. THESE ARE SIMPLY MY BEST KNOWLEDGE MIXED WITH MY EXPERIENCE.  

 

Care Sheet for Liometopum apiculatum (Velvety Tree Ant)

 

General Information:

Liometopum apiculatum is a fast-growing ant species native to the south-central United States. Known for its giant queens (16–17mm) and voracious workers (3–6mm), this species can form massive colonies under optimal conditions. Workers are dark brown initially but develop an orangish-brown hue as the colony matures. These ants are heat-loving and highly active foragers, requiring substantial resources to thrive.

 

Diet:

Liometopum apiculatum is a generalist feeder and thrives on a high-protein and sugar-rich diet:

• Sugars:
  • Sugar water or honey water should be provided daily or constantly to avoid starvation. Sugars are critical for energy and survival.
• Proteins:
  • Mealworms, crickets, fruit flies, roaches, and other small insects.
  • Frequent protein feeding encourages rapid colony growth, as excess protein is converted into eggs by the queen.
• Feeding Tip:
  • Always err on the side of overfeeding. More food leads to faster growth, and the colony will store excess resources for brood rearing.

Temperature:

Heat is essential for colony growth:

• Optimal Temperature:
  • Maintain part of the nest at 85°F (29°C) with a gradient that includes cooler zones (60–70°F/16–21°C) for egg and larval storage.
• Heating Equipment:
  • Use a heating cable, heat mat, or incubator to create a warm area in the nest.
• Tip:
  • Avoid overheating the entire setup; a temperature gradient allows the ants to regulate their needs naturally.

Diapause:

Liometopum apiculatum has an optional diapause period:

• Duration:
  • 8–10 weeks at cooler temperatures (60–68°F/16–20°C).
• Key Notes:
  • While in diapause, continue offering sugar water to sustain the colony.
  • If ants display signs of diapause (reduced activity, clustering), allow it to occur.
  • After diapause, gradually increase temperatures and resume protein feeding to stimulate egg-laying.

Growth:

Liometopum apiculatum grows rapidly under the right conditions:

• Brood Development:
  • 4–6 weeks from egg to worker with sufficient heat and food.
• Colony Size:
  • Colonies can reach tens of thousands of workers within a year with consistent protein and heat.
• Queen Efficiency:
  • The large queen is highly prolific, capable of producing enormous brood quantities.

Formicarium Setup:

• Nest Requirements:
  • Use a formicarium that allows for easy access to heat and moisture regulation. Acrylic, plaster, or naturalistic setups with sand-clay substrates work well.
  • Ensure the nest has an escape-proof mechanism, as this species is highly active and persistent.
• Outworld:
  • Provide a spacious outworld for foraging. Liometopum apiculatum is an energetic forager, and an expansive outworld will help mimic its natural behavior.
• Hydration:
  • Maintain moisture in parts of the nest, but avoid waterlogging.

Key Notes on Colony Management:

1. Monitor for Escape Attempts: These ants are skilled climbers and foragers; check the formicarium for escape points frequently.
2. Provide Abundant Resources: Ample heat, protein, and sugars are critical to maintaining their fast-paced growth.
3. Be Prepared for Expansion: Due to their rapid growth, ensure you have additional nests or outworlds ready as the colony grows.

Edited by DocNomad7, February 20 2025 - 9:43 AM.

[DocNomad7]

Tetramorium immigrans Overview General Information

• Origin: Tetramorium immigrans, commonly known as the pavement ant, is an invasive species in the United States.
• Colony Size: Colonies grow quickly, reaching 1,000 to 10,000 workers within 1-2 years.
• Castes: Colonies have medium-sized queens (6-7 mm) and small workers (2.5-4 mm).

Diet

• Generalist Feeder: T. immigrans can consume a wide variety of food, including:

  • Seeds: Dandelions and Sand Lovegrass are preferred.
  • Liquid Sugars: Though not essential, they are beneficial. Sunburst liquid sugar is recommended as a treat or seed substitute.
  • Proteins: Crucial for colony growth, particularly for brood development.
    • Common protein sources: Crickets, mealworms, roaches, fruit flies, etc.
    • Alternative Protein Source: Almonds are a viable option, especially as a long-term food in the outworld. However, a diet of only almonds should be supplemented with insect proteins for optimal colony health.
  • Recommendation for Brood: Mealworms and fruit flies are ideal for healthy development.

• Protein Necessity: Protein is essential for producing new workers and ensuring colony growth.

Temperature & Growth

• Optimal Temperature:
  • While colonies can grow at room temperature, the best results occur at 79-83°F.
  • Provide a temperature gradient within the nest to mimic natural conditions.
• Growth Rate:
  • Brood development time: 4-6 weeks, depending on feeding and heating.
  • With proper care, colonies can exceed 1,000 workers in the first year.

Diapause

• Not Required: Diapause (a winter rest period) is optional for T. immigrans.
  • If you choose to diapause, place the colony in a fridge or mini-fridge at 40°F for 2-3 months.
  • Diapause is not essential but can mimic natural conditions.

Summary

Tetramorium immigrans is a fast-growing, resilient species ideal for ant keepers. With proper feeding (proteins like mealworms and seeds like dandelions) and heating, colonies thrive and grow rapidly. Occasional liquid sugars are a bonus for worker health. While diapause is optional, providing a varied diet and maintaining the right conditions will ensure a healthy and productive colony.

[DocNomad7]

I currently have my Liometopum colony housed in a Tar Heel Ants Mini Hearth. 

 

Queen Size: approx 14 mm

Workers: approx 30

Brood: Small brood pile

Humidity: Medium-High

Temp: approx 88*F

Formicarium: Tar Heel Mini Hearth

Received: February 5, 2025

Supplier: Stateside Ants

Feeder: Ant Nectar, 1mL

Waterer: Tar Heel Nestmate

2 mL waterer

 

So far the Lios seem to be doing well. There are always explorers in the outworld, and more often than not, there are workers on the Ant Nectar feeder. They have constant access to Ant Nectar.

Edited by DocNomad7, February 20 2025 - 9:20 AM.

[DocNomad7]

General Information

• Pheidole bicarinata are small, adaptable ants with a wide range of colors.
• Colonies grow rapidly when provided with heat and consistent feeding.
• Major workers have oversized heads for cracking seeds and tearing insect parts.
• Colonies are highly generalist in both diet and habitat preferences.

Diet

• General Diet:

  • Liquid sugars (ants love them).
  • Seeds (keep a constant pile in the nest).
  • Protein-rich foods (daily or every other day).

• Recommended Seeds for Carbohydrates:

  • Sand Lovegrass
  • Kentucky Bluegrass
  • Dandelion
  • Chia
  • Evening Primrose (a favorite).
  • Tall Dropseed

• Protein Sources:

  • Crickets, mealworms, fruit flies, dubia roaches, or even table scraps.

• Feeding Tips:

  • Feed as much protein as they can consume, replacing uneaten food to avoid mold.
  • Keep a mix of at least two types of seeds at all times.

Temperature

• Ideal heat: ~82°F. Provide a heating gradient to ensure a cool area in the nest.
• These ants thrive in warmth but avoid overheating them.

Diapause (Hibernation)

• Pheidole bicarinata do not require diapause.
• Colonies can grow year-round with heat and proper feeding.
• To slow growth temporarily, reduce heat slightly but never drop temperatures below 50°F.

Growth

• Brood development: 4-6 weeks (4-5 weeks is typical).
• Colony size:
  • First 1-2 years: Rapid growth into hundreds or thousands of workers.
  • Maximum size: Around 4,000 workers.
• Growth is heavily influenced by temperature and food availability.

Ant Sizes

• Queen: 4.5-6mm
• Worker: 1.5-3mm
• Major: 2.5-3.5mm

Additional Notes

• Clean uneaten food regularly to avoid mold issues.
• Provide constant access to seeds and protein to sustain their rapid growth.

[DocNomad7]

Pheidole bicarinata Journal Entry

 

Queen Size: Approx 6 mm

Workers: Approx 30

Majors: At least 6

Brood: Small brood pile

Humidity: Mid-High

Temp: Approx 85*F

Formicarium: Tar Heel Ants Nucleus Type III

Ordered: January 31, 2025

Received: February 5, 2025

Supplier: Stateside Ants

Feeder: 2 x 3 mL feeder

Waterer: 3 x1 mL feeder

 

Today I moved my colony into the nucleus formicarium by Tar Heel Ants. The queen moved successfully and is now nested above the left water tower on the ceiling. I have seen workers and majors both with her, as well as both workers and majors moving brood to the bottom (high humidity area) tier of the formicarium.

[ANTdrew]

Nice write ups. A Nucleus nest seems way too big for a 30 worker colony of P. bicarinata, though. In fact, it would be a bit big even for my mature colony.

[DocNomad7]

It is a bit big. They seem to be tolerating it well at the moment. May invest in a smaller formicarium and switch them over somehow. How big is your colony?

Edited by DocNomad7, February 20 2025 - 1:15 PM.

[DocNomad7]

Nice write ups. A Nucleus nest seems way too big for a 30 worker colony of P. bicarinata, though. In fact, it would be a bit big even for my mature colony.

 

It is a bit big. They seem to be tolerating it well at the moment. May invest in a smaller formicarium and switch them over somehow. How big is your colony?

[ANTdrew]

If you look up my Phatheads journal, you can see photos of a mature colony. They get to several thousand workers.