32 replies to this topic

[Mettcollsuss]

So my dwarf hamster recently passed away and I now have an empty tank. Instead of throwing it out, I'm planning on turning it into a vivarium. Once I have decided which species will get to live in it, I will customize it to fit their needs. However, I can't decide which species to keep in it. My candidates are:
1. Formica subsericea
2. Aphaenogaster spp.
3. Lasius niger

Which one of these species would be the best choice? Thank you for your help.

[AntsMaryland]

I would say Formica subsericea.

[AntsMaryland]

 

 

I believe they are polygenous as well. So you can introduce new queens if you catch any

Also they are a fun option as I believe they make large ant hills and love tunneling.

[MegaMyrmex]

Hmm we'll we'd need to know the size, since Lasius sp. are escape artists and Formica grow massive colonies. I would say Aphaenogaster, because they would be doing all the planting and fertilization of seeds for plants (if you intend to add any) for you.

[AntsMaryland]

I think it depends on how big the tank is. If the tank is 20 gallons you should go with Formica.

Also, Apheonagasters don't have socail stomachs which may make them a less fun option

[Mettcollsuss]

Hmm we'll we'd need to know the size, since Lasius sp. are escape artists and Formica grow massive colonies. I would say Aphaenogaster, because they would be doing all the planting and fertilization of seeds for plants (if you intend to add any) for you.

The tank is about ten gallons. Is that too small?

[AntsMaryland]

no, you should do formica. keep us updated

[MegaMyrmex]

Ten gallons should be fine

[Mettcollsuss]

I agree, Formica would be a good choice. I have observed them nesting in sand and sandy soil. If I make the vivarium with sand or sandy soil, the black ants should stand out against the lighter ground.

[VoidElecent]

I vote Aphaenogaster!

[Nathant2131]

Aphaenogaster I would go with.

[Aquaexploder]

I also vote Aphaenogaster!

[ctantkeeper]

definitely Aphaeonogaster!!!

[Mettcollsuss]

I believe they are polygenous as well. So you can introduce new queens if you catch any
Also they are a fun option as I believe they make large ant hills and love tunneling.

So I heard that these ants are polygynous about 40% of the time. If I wanted to have a colony with more than one queen, would I mix them during the founding stage, or will a mature colony accept new dealate queen? Or is it possible to fuse two mature colonies?

[Mettcollsuss]

Aphaenogaster I would go with.

I vote Aphaenogaster!

I also vote Aphaenogaster!

definitely Aphaeonogaster!!!

Not that I don't trust you, but I would like to know why you chose Aphaenogaster so that I can use that information in helping me decide. Thanks.

[AntsMaryland]

I would proably just introduce a queen to a mature colony. The reason why is because if they don't get along the colony would just kill the queen. And not the queen in the mature colony.

[FeedTheAnts]

Formica subcericea! You won't regret this species. I keep a colony of Formica pallidifulva in a ten gallon tank and they are awesome.

[Connectimyrmex]

Aphaenogaster or Formica. Formica ants are peaceful and can coexist with some other organisms, while Aphaenogaster ants have some very interesting foraging habits.

[AntsMaryland]

Formica!

Formica are jolty energetic ants which grow into big colonies which would make them great for observing in a 10 gallon tank.

[Mettcollsuss]

One thing I forgot to mention: the corners of the tank have rubber strips, as some do. Will either Aphaenogaster or Formica be able to climb out on these? If so, should I take off the rubber or just make sure that the barrier is very strong in that area?