Hello, another Ant-enthusiast from Southern California here!
I've been keeping ants on and off since my childhood, largely due to the fact that I never realized that you can obtain queens from other hobbyists. I have been trying to collect specimens sporadically on my own with little success.
I am extremely busy with my business and my work so I often find myself without time for a pet that demands more attention and care. As a result I keep aquariums and invertebrates, so this is right up my alley. Like most of the community, I find joy and relaxation in observing these remarkable creature's behaviors and development.
I have kept queens and colonies of the following species, mostly what I can find around here:
Solenopsis xyloni
Tapinoma sessile
Unidentified Formica species
I currently have a Myrmecocystus mexicanus colony that I adopted from Drew. Been looking to obtain this species for years, so I am extremely excited to see them develop their colony.
It has always been a goal of mine to keep a large harvester ant colony, but researching them has proven to me that I need more experience before I attempt that.
I am learning a lot about the Camponotus and Pheidole species and am interested in potentially caring for some of the larger species as well.
I am interested in building my own formicariums so if you have experience, insight or information please don't be shy to let me know.
I am also EXTREMELY INTERESTED in collecting Queens after nuptial flights. I have never successfully found a queen outside of my own backyard so I would love to go on a trip to collect some.
(I've been in the wilderness almost every year of my life as well, and regularly hike 30+ miles when I visit camp sites like Joshua Tree or Kern River)
Thanks for reading!
