10 replies to this topic

[benjiwuf]

Has anyone had success with this species? I could use some tips on keeping them safe and alive. right now they are in a formicarium (as I've read they will produce too much citronella scents and will kill themselves with it). I have 5 workers from the colony releasing queens taking care of a queen who is currently working on removing her wings.

[Tpro4]

Good luck! That is all I can say, I never had one

[Crystals]

Treat them like a cross of Lasius and Formica.  They will prefer the conditions that most Lasius like, while you want their formicarium to have plenty of ventilation like is preferred with Formica that produce lots of formic acid.  Also try not to alarm them too much, leaving them uncovered is fine, but make sure your shadow doesn't cross the glass.  A sturdy shelf or desk which is rarely bumped is also a good way to go.

[Gregory2455]

How is she doing?

[benjiwuf]

i caught quite a few, and most have died. i have 1 or 3 left though. they do NOT survive well in the traditional test tube setup as they need a ridiculous amount of air flow or their citronella scent will literally kill them. all my ants are in hibernation though at the moment so we'll see how she is doing in a few months.

Edited by benjiwuf, November 25 2014 - 11:34 AM.

[Gregory2455]

Never smelled this smell, is it a nice smell? I think next year if I catch one, I will just have wire mesh covering their formicarium, maybe a natural room freshener!

[benjiwuf]

i think it smells nice, but they can get overpowering. think of a really strong smelling mosquito repelling citronella candle. that's about as close as i can come up with for a comparisson of the top of my head lol.

[AntsAreUs]

I have had these before, they die very quickly if not taken care of. You should treat her somewhat like a semi-claustral queen and add pupa from another Lasius sp.

[benjiwuf]

that's what i want to do, but i have to find some lasius colonies next spring. until then she's in hibernation, she seems to be enjoying herself so far though.

[AntsAreUs]

that's what i want to do, but i have to find some lasius colonies next spring. until then she's in hibernation, she seems to be enjoying herself so far though.

I have had them just sit without anything and they all died within 2 days. Just be careful! Try feeding them honey every so often.

[James C. Trager]

Lasius (Acanthomyops) smell a lot like the herb, lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, Gregory.