3 replies to this topic

[AntInSpaceFilms]

Hello, This is my first question here.

I've been collecting various ant specimens, but I recently decided to start keeping Myrmecia. This will be my first time actually keeping ants, so I've been doing a lot of preparation.

 

I've noticed that many ant keepers on YouTube use a ytong nest for Myrmecia. I assume it's because ytong retains humidity well and allows for good airflow. But I’ve also heard some people say that its only real advantage is that it’s cheap. Additionally, it's hard to get a ytong nest in my country.

 

Acrylic nests can be risky, as formic acid can poison the ants. It also feels too artificial, and its surface might be uncomfortable for the ants.

 

So what about a gypsum nest as an alternative to ytong? Is it the only real option for Myrmecia?

I know there are many ways to control temperature and humidity properly, but my main concern is mold and mites. I've read that gypsum doesn’t handle those issues as well as ytong, and that worries me.

 

Any advice or experience would be greatly appreciated.

[OwlThatLikesAnts]

Hello, This is my first question here.

I've been collecting various ant specimens, but I recently decided to start keeping Myrmecia. This will be my first time actually keeping ants, so I've been doing a lot of preparation.

 

I've noticed that many ant keepers on YouTube use a ytong nest for Myrmecia. I assume it's because ytong retains humidity well and allows for good airflow. But I’ve also heard some people say that its only real advantage is that it’s cheap. Additionally, it's hard to get a ytong nest in my country.

 

Acrylic nests can be risky, as formic acid can poison the ants. It also feels too artificial, and its surface might be uncomfortable for the ants.

 

So what about a gypsum nest as an alternative to ytong? Is it the only real option for Myrmecia?

I know there are many ways to control temperature and humidity properly, but my main concern is mold and mites. I've read that gypsum doesn’t handle those issues as well as ytong, and that worries me.

 

Any advice or experience would be greatly appreciated.

Myrmecia don't spray formic acid, instead they sting (and they sting like heck) so acrylic is not risky for their health but they will not be able to spin cocoons and if they can't, then they will eat the larvae. Also, I will suggest that Myrmicia is 100% THE WORST species for a beginner i suggest that you choose a different species because from reading other people's experience, they are very very hard to keep and they take like 6 months to lay an egg, and most of the times they will eat that egg and choose to die. Even if you manage to get her to get workers, they are still very hard to keep because of their very specific needs and their aggressiveness, If you live in Australia i suggest you go with Pheidole or Iridomyrmex, they are much better for a beginner and if you are in Europe, don't waste your money and get something like a Lasius. sp

[AntInSpaceFilms]

 

Hello, This is my first question here.

I've been collecting various ant specimens, but I recently decided to start keeping Myrmecia. This will be my first time actually keeping ants, so I've been doing a lot of preparation.

 

I've noticed that many ant keepers on YouTube use a ytong nest for Myrmecia. I assume it's because ytong retains humidity well and allows for good airflow. But I’ve also heard some people say that its only real advantage is that it’s cheap. Additionally, it's hard to get a ytong nest in my country.

 

Acrylic nests can be risky, as formic acid can poison the ants. It also feels too artificial, and its surface might be uncomfortable for the ants.

 

So what about a gypsum nest as an alternative to ytong? Is it the only real option for Myrmecia?

I know there are many ways to control temperature and humidity properly, but my main concern is mold and mites. I've read that gypsum doesn’t handle those issues as well as ytong, and that worries me.

 

Any advice or experience would be greatly appreciated.

Myrmecia don't spray formic acid, instead they sting (and they sting like heck) so acrylic is not risky for their health but they will not be able to spin cocoons and if they can't, then they will eat the larvae. Also, I will suggest that Myrmicia is 100% THE WORST species for a beginner i suggest that you choose a different species because from reading other people's experience, they are very very hard to keep and they take like 6 months to lay an egg, and most of the times they will eat that egg and choose to die. Even if you manage to get her to get workers, they are still very hard to keep because of their very specific needs and their aggressiveness, If you live in Australia i suggest you go with Pheidole or Iridomyrmex, they are much better for a beginner and if you are in Europe, don't waste your money and get something like a Lasius. sp

 

 

That's actually pretty surprising.
Although this is my first attempt at ant keeping, I’ve had a deep interest in their ecology for a long time. I’m investing every bit of my budget and effort into creating the most suitable environment for them.

To do this, I'm working on building a soundproof and vibration-isolated chamber with temperature and humidity control, setting up LED light with timer to simulate a natural day-night cycle, and planning an eco-friendly air purification system using activated carbon, Tillandsia, and a circulator. and preparing to springtails and isopods to help deal with mold and pests.

I'm also in the process of designing a wide and high-ceilinged outworld to replicate their natural habitat -of course it's a long-term plan and I'm carefully considering the best materials and structure for the nest to make sure it’s suited for them.

But despite all of this, If they were to frequently die suddenly, simply because they were 'unlucky'... That would be an entirely different issue.

Edited by AntInSpaceFilms, April 7 2025 - 2:08 AM.

[OwlThatLikesAnts]

If you are going to do that, maybe collect a bunch of queens (if you are in Australia), find out which one you like/doesn’t die, like most productive queen, keep them in a tubes and tubs setup until a viable amount of workers and then plop the ants in the new nest you planned. The “expert” part of them is their sensitivity, aggressive nature, and how they will happily eat their larva, and if they are really feeling for it, they might randomly die. If you’re in Europe, buying that species is a risk because of the things I mentioned and some other reasons: they might die in transit or you get a lethargic queen that is not that productive.

Other than that I find the planned setup for them is really good.

Edited by OwlThatLikesAnts, April 7 2025 - 5:26 AM.