4 replies to this topic

[Ants Galore]

 I'm thinking about getting aphids(If that's even possible because I know it's a crazy Idea) IF I decide to make a naturalistic nest for my Pseudomyrmex gracilis colony. Just some problems: Is it possible to keep replacing the plants after they die? How do ants do it in the wild? Just let the plant die and move to a new nest? How would you control the aphid population? Will my the workers of my colony eat some? Where do you get cheap aphids for 10$ or less? Is this the craziest idea you've ever heard? Please answer all my questions and be sure to mention if I'm just getting crazy ideas. Thanks- Ants Galore

[Connectimyrmex]

This is normal, I do this all the time with mature colonies. Collect winged individuals from colonies with hopes that the species is parthenogenetic. Put the winged individual on the species host plant and see if it produces nymphs. If the population gets too large, release the established colony (after harvesting a new winged individual from the plant)

 

Aphids are illegal to ship because of plant pest regulations..

Ants sometimes snack on aphids.

[Works4TheGood]

In my humble experience with indoor potted plants, having aphids is a frustrating nightmare! They breed like E. Coli and practically cover their host plant. I fought with them daily for weeks until eventually discarding the plants in defeat. Even plant soap couldn't remove them completely. I'm concerned for your sake that either the ants will eat them all, or they'll protect them and their population will grow unchecked. Best of luck!

[Connectimyrmex]

In my humble experience with indoor potted plants, having aphids is a frustrating nightmare! They breed like E. Coli and practically cover their host plant. I fought with them daily for weeks until eventually discarding the plants in defeat. Even plant soap couldn't remove them completely. I'm concerned for your sake that either the ants will eat them all, or they'll protect them and their population will grow unchecked. Best of luck!

That's why I discard the colony when it gets too large. I just take one alate.

[mbullock42086]

You can feed the aphids to small critters, too.  they actually make really good spiderling food, packed with sugar and gut-loaded with plain juices.