6 replies to this topic

[Jamiesname]

With warmer weather approaching (hopefully), I'm making a small list of ants that I'd like to hunt for this year. I'm familiar with a lot of the more common species in Michigan, but not with their details pertaining to colony size, worker size, coloration, etc. I don't really have any criteria other than the workers need to be at least medium size, and I want a species that has the potential to become a HUGE colony. Last fall I flipped over a piece of sheet metal about 2ft by 2ft and underneath of it was the biggest swarm of ants I've ever seen. There was literally clumps of ants scrambling around on top of each other. The only way I can describe it is like an ant version of a honeybee swarm, except flat and on the ground. They were black with a reddish thorax. Wish I could find a queen of whatever species that was. Anyways, any help matching the above criteria to a Michigan species would be much appreciated.


I'll also be on the lookout for the following this spring/summer:

Camponotus novaeboracensis
Solenopsis molesta
Prenolpis imparis


Thanks again!

Edited by Jamiesname, April 8 2018 - 4:11 PM.

[Mettcollsuss]

Prenolepis wouldn't be a good species. Most ant keepers fail to get them past the second year, and therefore never reach large sizes in captivity. Camponotus can, but it will take a lot of patience. Solenopsis molesta can have large colonies, but they are super small so it wouldn't take up much space. 

 

What is your definition of huge? A mature colony in most species has about 10,000 workers. If this is a large enough size, then some ants that meet your criteria would be Tetramorium immigrans,  Aphaenogaster sp., and most Formica sp.

 

 Lasius neoniger and Lasius alienus have colonies in the 10,000s as well but are small in size.

 

There is also Formica subsericea, which is fairly large and has mature colonies averaging 20,000.

 

Last but not least, L. niger. It may not meet the size requirement but makes up for it in colony size. I believe the average colony hovers around 15,000-20,000 workers, but in some rare cases can reach up to 50,000.

 

Hope this helps!

Edited by Mettcollsuss, April 8 2018 - 4:14 PM.

[LC3]

What you put down is the possible max size for each of these species and upon meeting full maturity I believe. I would imagine the actual number for most colonies average around a few thousand for Lasius, Aphaenogaster and most Formica and is still mostly dependent on environmental factors. Species like Formica subericea get to large numbers over time rather then explosive growth. 

[Jamiesname]

Prenolepis wouldn't be a good species. Most ant keepers fail to get them past the second year, and therefore never reach large in captivity

Then I definitely need to get my hands on some of these. I find that the more challenging species tend to keep me engaged, which helps make taking care of them more enjoyable.

What you put down is the possible max size for each of these species and upon meeting full maturity I believe. I would imagine the actual number for most colonies average around a few thousand for Lasius, Aphaenogaster and most Formica and is still mostly dependent on environmental factors. Species like Formica subericea get to large numbers over time rather then explosive growth.

Yeah. I feel like I'm asking for something to drink, but it can only be something wet. It sounds like I'll be happy with anything that crosses my path . It's just that there's so many different kinds, and that can spell trouble if you happen to be a completionist. More so if you're a completionist with limited space in which to keep more than a couple species.

Edited by Jamiesname, April 8 2018 - 5:13 PM.

[AntsAreUs]

 

Yeah. I feel like I'm asking for something to drink, but it can only be something wet. It sounds like I'll be happy with anything that crosses my path . It's just that there's so many different kinds, and that can spell trouble if you happen to be a completionist. More so if you're a completionist with limited space in which to keep more than a couple species.

 

I'm also with you on that. I would say start with ants that are easy to take care of, that will allow for a better experience in my opinion. If you become familiar with ants in your area, then you may end up hunting for particular species that may be of your interest.

[Ants4fun]

 
 
Last but not least, L. niger. It may not meet the size requirement but makes up for it in colony size. I believe the average colony hovers around 15,000-20,000 workers, but in some rare cases can reach up to 50,000.
 
Hope this helps!

Lasius niger is native to Europe, and not easily found in Michigan.

[Kaelwizard]

You can try Pheidole. I know I'm looking for those next year.