3 replies to this topic

[SamKeepsAnts]

Anyone know where you can find these in california and when they have nuptial flights.

[Connectimyrmex]

Hi. I may not live in California but here are some tips:

Rotting logs: When you find one, gently press around the outside areas (with good gloves, because you don't want a run in with a scorpion). there's a chance of uncovering a small Strumigenys nest. My friend found a colony like that. During tennis practice, a small log (branch?) blew onto the court during a wind storm. When I picked it up to put it aside, a few pupae tumbled out. Then a worker emerged and I nearly fainted from excitement. I gave that branch to my friend to "force" ant keeping upon him and now he has a strumigenys colony.

 

Leaf litter: At night, using some cardboard or a shovel, scoop leaf litter into a bucket. Since nighttime is when semi-claustral queens feed, there is a chance of finding a young queen. That's how I find Technomyrmex queens, but instead on a sidewalk.

 

Tree bark: Find a tree with loose bark (birch, etc). Remove some of the bark from the tree (gently, let the tree live). You may find a small colony of ants (or, if lucky, termites). Then gently scoop or suck up those guys (if termites, gentle scooping is better. Nymphs, queens, and kings get injured easily.).

 

I hope this helps!

 

Also, try to post some specifics about what you mean by the ants you want. Do you want just the miniature hunting ants or will you settle with temnothorax as well?

[SamKeepsAnts]

Miniature hunting ants are my main goal but i will also look out for temnothorax

[Connectimyrmex]

Temnothorax are great . They were the first ant I've ever kept (when I was 7 in Ohio, I once found an acorn and put it in a tupperware. I fed them apple slices and bits of chicken bone).