14 replies to this topic

[AntMon666]

Hi all I am from UK I have read alot of helpful stickies on this forum and have used the search tool. I have a huge interest in ants just randomly I felt the need to own some haha

So I feel I have grasped basics with all the housing, food, ant biology and stuff. Now what I am confused about is what ant species to start off with. I am quite confused between red fire ants, garden ants and the asian army ants. I think size variation of the asian army ants has to be the most coolest thing I seen but I heard it is not recommended for a beginner so maybe I was thinking of going with the fire ants because I love their colour and behaviour. Can someone help me choose? I just need something recommended for a beginner and same time enjoyable to look after and watch I would appreciate any advice and answers Thank you!

Edited by dspdrew, June 6 2017 - 10:39 AM.
Merged

[spytim]

garden ants are very good beginner ants, very cute fun workers and not as out of control as fire ants.

[123LordOfAnts123]

First off, using the Latin names is preferred as opposed to the common names, which can themselves encompass several hundred different species in a single term. Confusing, to say the least.

Living in the UK, by "garden ant" I'm assuming you mean Lasius niger. "Red fire ant" may refer to Myrmica rubra. Both of which are well known, easily available, cheap and easy to care for native ants reccomended to virtually any beginner there. These attributes make it hardly a contest on what species to delve into the hobby with. There are a few others that fit the bill, which can be found both outside and online. Lasius and Myrmica however, tend to be the bread and butter.

As for "asian army ants", or the recently revised genus of Carebara, most people seem to struggle with them, both in care and containment. Of course I have no experience with them myself, but it's obvious they're far from the ideal ant for someone who's never cared for the more basic species.

[Deluga]

Hello and welcome.

 

It is not adviced to keep species that aren't from your area as they can damage the eco-system even though many of the species are rather cool.

 

I would probaly advice you to start out with Lasius niger(black garden ant= as they grow relatively fast and is a very easy species to keep.

They are a small species, but they are really interesting to keep, I atleast love my colony.

Tetramorium caespitum should also be an easy colony to keep and should be enjoyable to watch too. I do not have them yet, but I enjoy watching videos with them.

[AntMon666]

garden ants are very good beginner ants, very cute fun workers and not as out of control as fire ants.

Thank you for ur reply I have looked into lasius niger it seems like the most ideal and popular choice so I am most likely to buy the garden ants. When getting the lasius niger queen does it require worker ants with it or she can cope by herself? Also what did you mean fire ants get out of control? like in escape or what?

Edited by AntMon666, June 6 2017 - 8:36 AM.

[Deluga]

A Lasius niger queen should be able to start her own colony without workers. If you catch a fertile Lasius niger queen she will shortly after start laying eggs.

 

I think he means because they grow really fast.

[dermy]

Just out of interests sakes why is there two of these topics?

http://www.formicult...his/#entry63118

 

 

As for what ants, if it's "summer" time queens of various local species should be flying or will be flying shortly. I know Lasius niger [if you have them in your area] usually fly in July and queens are capable of rearing their first brood without food. They also don't sting [like fire ants do] and stay at a nice reasonable size [at least for awhile] and don't grow out of control like fire ants will. You may think it will be cool to have a colony with tens of thousands of workers, but just wait till you have to feed them!

Edited by dermy, June 6 2017 - 8:57 AM.

[AntMon666]

I did not realise there was multiple topics I am very sorry for confusion I don't really know why 3 posts were made

[AntMon666]

A Lasius niger queen should be able to start her own colony without workers. If you catch a fertile Lasius niger queen she will shortly after start laying eggs.

I think he means because they grow really fast.

that's great I definitely have my mind set on the lasius niger !

Just out of interests sakes why is there two of these topics?
http://www.formicult...his/#entry63118


As for what ants, if it's "summer" time queens of various local species should be flying or will be flying shortly. I know Lasius niger [if you have them in your area] usually fly in July and queens are capable of rearing their first brood without food. They also don't sting [like fire ants do] and stay at a nice reasonable size [at least for awhile] and don't grow out of control like fire ants will. You may think it will be cool to have a colony with tens of thousands of workers, but just wait till you have to feed them!

I found them to be very cheap locally around £5 I don't think I am as patient to waiting a month! I don't think there is any gurantee of finding a queen up north of UK it is really cold not antarctica cold but it rains alot

Edited by AntMon666, June 6 2017 - 9:08 AM.

[VoidElecent]

I think it all depends on what you're looking for. As many have said, Lasius species can be great beginner species and can be very fun to raise. Other ants like Formica  species can be fun as well, especially due to their size. If you're looking for smaller ants with speedy growth rates, I might consider Tetramorium pavement ants.

[AntMon666]

I think it all depends on what you're looking for. As many have said, Lasius species can be great beginner species and can be very fun to raise. Other ants like Formica  species can be fun as well, especially due to their size. If you're looking for smaller ants with speedy growth rates, I might consider Tetramorium pavement ants.

I just watched a few tetramorium ant videos I love it but bloody hell it grows fast! xD I have decided I will go for the lasius niger as its the most beginner friendly and alot of people recommend it so I will see how it goes

Does anyone have any advice on housing the lasius niger? will I need substrate or not?

[Deluga]

I just keep my Lasius niger colony so far in a testtube setup, due to the size of the colony I have a little outworld where I place their food for them to gather and where they can go explore.

When the colony get bigger I will move them in to a nest, That i'll probaly make out of Ytong or a vertikal nest with sand.

 

I live in Denmark and we almost have similar weather unless it's ofcause rain much more in UK, but I know that Lasius nigers' nuptial flight starts late July start august and I think Lasius niger will fly at around same time.

A good idea is that even if you buy a colony, just go out hunting for queens when there is a warm weather and you should be able to find queens fast, especially here in the summer period where most species start their nuptial fligh in the northern Europe.

 

If you have any other questions feel free to shoot me a private message or just here in this topic.

[AntMon666]

I just keep my Lasius niger colony so far in a testtube setup, due to the size of the colony I have a little outworld where I place their food for them to gather and where they can go explore.
When the colony get bigger I will move them in to a nest, That i'll probaly make out of Ytong or a vertikal nest with sand.
 
I live in Denmark and we almost have similar weather unless it's ofcause rain much more in UK, but I know that Lasius nigers' nuptial flight starts late July start august and I think Lasius niger will fly at around same time.
A good idea is that even if you buy a colony, just go out hunting for queens when there is a warm weather and you should be able to find queens fast, especially here in the summer period where most species start their nuptial fligh in the northern Europe.
 
If you have any other questions feel free to shoot me a private message or just here in this topic.

That was really helpful I think I have all my questions answered now I will get the queen and test tube setup ready and if there is any other questions I will be sure to ask Thank you everyone for all help!

[Deluga]

Good luck!

[AntMon666]

Thanks Deluga