8 replies to this topic

[salvoz]

Hi Folks, 

 

Total greenhorn here as far as ants go, but I do like creating vivariums and was hoping to set up something "natural-looking" at work. Any thoughts on a relatively easy, good-sized, and interesting species for a 10-gallon (or so) tank colony? 

 

Thanks in advance!

Sal

 

[GeorgeK]

Lasius Niger colonies are great for starters and low maintenance, they do take some time to grow large in numbers tho

[T.C.]

Where are you located?

[salvoz]

los angeles

[Serafine]

If you want an easy-to-care ant I'd rather recommend Formica fusca than Lasius niger.

- Formica fusca can have multiple queens, so if you found with say 3 queens it's not a big deal if one dies.

- Formica fusca colonies top out at about 2000-3000 ants which is still a very manageable size, Lasius niger on the other hand can grow to over 50000 (!) workers and will teach you the importance of a good barrier (starting at year 3+).

- Lasius niger are very territorial ants that will attack nearby colonies when they break out, Formica fusca is rather timid and usually doesn't actively attack but rather avoid conflict.

- Formica fusca workers are twice as large als Lasius niger workers which makes them MUCH easier to contain. The chances of them slipping through a small breach is far lower than with the tiny Lasius workers.

- Formica fusca is as adaptable and widespread as Lasius niger. When they fly it is hard to miss them (cause they're everywhere), they are easy to raise and they can found with multiple queens which increases the early worker count of the colony.

Edited by Serafine, September 14 2017 - 7:59 AM.

[T.C.]

Oh, california! that's like ant paradise over there. For a 10 gallon tank, Novomessor cockerelli comes to mind. Fascinating, species. Actually, a member by honourable, made a thread about his novomessor cockerelli in a DIY ten gallon set up. Check it out here.

[salvoz]

Thanks everyone for the replies. N. cockerelli does seem like a great option and there is a local source for them    Now if I could only build honourable's DIY setup! 

[SirAnticus]

Nurbs and Drew are the main ant sellers in Socal. They both have N. cockerelli, too.

[Zeiss]

I love Novomessor cockerelli, they are a large species, easy to care for, and are very clean.  If you keep them in test tubes, you almost never see any scum build up and they are well organized.