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New Ant Farmer Here Near St. Louis, MO


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#1 Offline woodrocked - Posted January 12 2021 - 11:36 AM

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Wanted to say hi to everyone. I am looking to purchase some ants for my sons ant farm and thought this would be a perfect place to start. 

 

Howdy!


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#2 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted January 12 2021 - 11:45 AM

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Great to see you! what kind of ant farm do you have?


Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. -Proverbs 6: 6-8

My South Dakotan Shop Here

Attention Ant-Keepers in South Dakota! Join the SoDak(Society Of Dakotan Ant Keepers)


#3 Offline Swirlysnowflake - Posted January 12 2021 - 11:46 AM

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Hello, welcome to Formiculture! There's a ton of great information for beginners here :) 

 

And a bit of information, hobbyists refer to ant farms as formicariums :D


 My YouTube channel :)

 

 


#4 Offline woodrocked - Posted January 12 2021 - 12:15 PM

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Thank you all for the warm greeting. I will try to use formicarium in the future (that's a lot harder than farm)

 

I believe my son received an ant jungle  https://www.fatbrain...yoaAv_7EALw_wcB

 

I am going off of my memory. 

 

without using the search function on your site, what would you suggest for my first time with ants here in the great Show Me state of Missouri. (someone people pronounce it Misery) HAAAAAAAA


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#5 Offline Antkeeper01 - Posted January 12 2021 - 12:25 PM

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hrm not sure what sp to use in there because its a dirt nest and a similar design to a uncle milton but pretty much any large common ants you see near you. But a more humane option would be too capture a queen and found a colony another upside to that is it will probable live longer than some random workers


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1X Pogonomyrmex occidentalis 40-50 Workers

1X Solenopsis molesta 10 Workers (mono)

Ants I Want: Crematogaster sp, Camponotus Sp., Ponera Pennsylvanica, Mymercocystus sp.

 

My Youtube channel: https://www.youtube....kUjx-dPFMyVqOLw

 

 Join Our Fledgling Discord Server https://discord.com/...089056687423489


#6 Offline TechAnt - Posted January 12 2021 - 12:46 PM

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Welcome to the forum!

 

I suggest you use a more professional setup, thank you Manitobant for reminding me to say this.

 

Things like AAC nests, Grout nests, buying from brands like Tarheel Ants, Aus Ants, and such are great ant farms that are professional and practical. They are also better then those cheap Uncle Milton's style ant 'nests'.


Edited by TechAnt, January 12 2021 - 1:09 PM.

My Ants:
(x1) Campontous semitstaceus ~20 workers, 1 Queen
(x1) Camponotus vicinus ~10 workers, 1 Queen (all black variety)
(x1) Tetramorium immigrans ~100 workers, 1 Queen
(x1) Myrmercocystus mexicanus -1 Queen
(x2) Mymercocystus mimcus -1 Queen
(x1) Mymercocystus testaceus ~45 workers, 1 Queen

#7 Offline Manitobant - Posted January 12 2021 - 1:03 PM

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I wouldn’t use that cheap plastic farm for a queen and colony. Just put some workers in and enjoy it for a bit, though you’re gonna need a professional setup for a colony with queen. Look up Tar Heel ants.


As for good beginner species in Missouri, I would go for camponotus or tetramorium. Missouri also has the polygynous tetramorium Tsushimae, which are much better than the more common and monogynous tetramorium immigrans.

Edited by Manitobant, January 12 2021 - 1:13 PM.

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#8 Offline AntsDakota - Posted January 12 2021 - 1:31 PM

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Welcome to the forum!

I suggest you use a more professional setup, thank you Manitobant for reminding me to say this.

Things like AAC nests, Grout nests, buying from brands like Tarheel Ants, Aus Ants, and such are great ant farms that are professional and practical. They are also better then those cheap Uncle Milton's style ant 'nests'.

I wouldn’t use that cheap plastic farm for a queen and colony. Just put some workers in and enjoy it for a bit, though you’re gonna need a professional setup for a colony with queen. Look up Tar Heel ants.
As for good beginner species in Missouri, I would go for camponotus or tetramorium. Missouri also has the polygynous tetramorium Tsushimae, which are much better than the more common and monogynous tetramorium immigrans.

hrm not sure what sp to use in there because its a dirt nest and a similar design to a uncle milton but pretty much any large common ants you see near you. But a more humane option would be too capture a queen and found a colony another upside to that is it will probable live longer than some random workers

I second these statements.

Edited by AntsDakota, January 12 2021 - 1:32 PM.

"God made..... all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. (including ants) And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:25 NIV version


#9 Offline Devi - Posted January 12 2021 - 1:40 PM

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Welcome to the forum!

I suggest you use a more professional setup, thank you Manitobant for reminding me to say this.

Things like AAC nests, Grout nests, buying from brands like Tarheel Ants, Aus Ants, and such are great ant farms that are professional and practical. They are also better then those cheap Uncle Milton's style ant 'nests'.

I wouldn’t use that cheap plastic farm for a queen and colony. Just put some workers in and enjoy it for a bit, though you’re gonna need a professional setup for a colony with queen. Look up Tar Heel ants.
As for good beginner species in Missouri, I would go for camponotus or tetramorium. Missouri also has the polygynous tetramorium Tsushimae, which are much better than the more common and monogynous tetramorium immigrans.

hrm not sure what sp to use in there because its a dirt nest and a similar design to a uncle milton but pretty much any large common ants you see near you. But a more humane option would be too capture a queen and found a colony another upside to that is it will probable live longer than some random workers

I second these statements.

 

I third these statements.



#10 Offline Kaelwizard - Posted January 12 2021 - 2:08 PM

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It also depends on what your son wants and how old he is, as he may not be ready for "professional" ant keeping depending on that. Raising a colony from a queen is hard and requires lots of patience. It could take a few months to get a growing colony as well. It also depends what you want to deal with. A mature colony could have thousands of workers and could last years. A couple decades for some species (though I don't know anyone with a colony that old - also, the queens are the ones that live long, they just continually produce more workers). I'm not sure if your son just wanted some workers, or if we wanted to get into professional keeping, but it really depends on that. If he just wants some workers to observe (as many of us did when we were younger), most ant "farms" like that have a store that will supply workers of the species Pogonomyrmex occidentalis, or Western Harvester ants (they have a painful sting, an if you are allergic, it could be fatal). Workers will only live 2 weeks or a little more in that kind of set up. If he wants to keep professionally, that species is also the only one where it is legal to ship a queen over state lines. So Tarheel Ants (THA) for example, has queens that you can get even though they are not native to where you live.


Edited by Kaelwizard, January 12 2021 - 2:11 PM.

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#11 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted January 12 2021 - 6:34 PM

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i 100% agree with everything said here. let me shorten things for you. That ant farm(sorry about using formicarium the first time! it becomes habit over time) will be great for you to keep ants in, but queen ants (the ones that lay eggs) are not going to thrive in there. https://tarheelants.com/is the best formicarium maker out there so far, or if you want a cheaper option, https://www.antscanada.com/ is great. they also have great videos there as well. do a little bit of reading on this: https://www.formicul...-for-beginners/

hope that helps you!


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Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. -Proverbs 6: 6-8

My South Dakotan Shop Here

Attention Ant-Keepers in South Dakota! Join the SoDak(Society Of Dakotan Ant Keepers)


#12 Offline drtrmiller - Posted January 12 2021 - 7:12 PM

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If someone tells you they just purchased a new computer and they want to know what games you might recommend, is it helpful to tell the person to buy a new computer?

Similarly, this person stated their son had received a toy ant farm and asked for advice on what ants to put in it.

We have a bad habit of telling newcomers that their brand-new equipment is inferior and that they should instead buy something from some other shop. This attitude makes the hobby less friendly and accessible.

Let's stick to helpfully answering the precise questions people ask. And if the person becomes more curious over time and wants to delve deeper into ant keeping, they can research more on their own and ask different questions.

Edited by drtrmiller, January 12 2021 - 7:32 PM.

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byFormica® is the manufacturer of the iconic nectar feeders and Sunburst Ant Nectar.
byFormica ant products always deliver consistent performance, convenience,
and reliability, making them among the most beloved ant foods and kit enjoyed by
ant keeping enthusiasts worldwide. For more information, visit www.byFormica.com.

#13 Offline Swirlysnowflake - Posted January 12 2021 - 7:16 PM

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If someone tells you what PC components they have and asks what games you might recommend, does the person really want replies offering PC part recommendations?

Similarly, this person stated their son had received a toy ant farm and asked for advice on what ants to put in it.

We have a bad habit of telling newcomers that their brand-new equipment is inferior and that they should instead buy something from some other shop. This attitude makes the hobby less friendly and accessible.

Let's stick to helpfully answering the precise questions people ask. And if the person becomes more curious over time and wants to delve deeper into ant keeping, they can research more on their own and ask different questions.

I agree. 


 My YouTube channel :)

 

 


#14 Offline woodrocked - Posted January 13 2021 - 6:16 AM

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If someone tells you they just purchased a new computer and they want to know what games you might recommend, is it helpful to tell the person to buy a new computer?

Similarly, this person stated their son had received a toy ant farm and asked for advice on what ants to put in it.

We have a bad habit of telling newcomers that their brand-new equipment is inferior and that they should instead buy something from some other shop. This attitude makes the hobby less friendly and accessible.

Let's stick to helpfully answering the precise questions people ask. And if the person becomes more curious over time and wants to delve deeper into ant keeping, they can research more on their own and ask different questions.

Hello All. 

 

I appreciate the advice. Yes, I agree and understand that some equipment might be inferior (it was given as a gift from a family member) BUT we al also dealing with a 7 year old whos taste for things changes every 5 minuets. I am never one to squash his creativity and say no to something because we all need a little adventure in our lives. 

 

I am planning on moving forward with a small tube of Red Harverster ants that does not have a queen and then if his interest is peeked then I will be contacting tarheels and working on a more suitable habitat for a living creatures that will be in my house. 

 

I will also be digging around this spring to look for a queen and a colony. 

 

Cheers!!!!

 

Woodrock


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#15 Offline Antkeeper01 - Posted January 13 2021 - 6:24 AM

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If someone tells you they just purchased a new computer and they want to know what games you might recommend, is it helpful to tell the person to buy a new computer?

Similarly, this person stated their son had received a toy ant farm and asked for advice on what ants to put in it.

We have a bad habit of telling newcomers that their brand-new equipment is inferior and that they should instead buy something from some other shop. This attitude makes the hobby less friendly and accessible.

Let's stick to helpfully answering the precise questions people ask. And if the person becomes more curious over time and wants to delve deeper into ant keeping, they can research more on their own and ask different questions.

Hello All. 

 

I appreciate the advice. Yes, I agree and understand that some equipment might be inferior (it was given as a gift from a family member) BUT we al also dealing with a 7 year old whos taste for things changes every 5 minuets. I am never one to squash his creativity and say no to something because we all need a little adventure in our lives. 

 

I am planning on moving forward with a small tube of Red Harverster ants that does not have a queen and then if his interest is peeked then I will be contacting tarheels and working on a more suitable habitat for a living creatures that will be in my house. 

 

I will also be digging around this spring to look for a queen and a colony. 

 

Cheers!!!!

 

Woodrock

 

i would only suggest looking for a queen unless youre prepared to collect the colony because i have had some, bad experiences with collecting colonies, i accidentally killed a mature pheidole colony in july, and accidentaly killed a 100 worker Crematogaster sp because of insufficent feeding RIP I'm just trying to say be careful


Edited by Antkeeper01, January 13 2021 - 6:24 AM.

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1X Pogonomyrmex occidentalis 40-50 Workers

1X Solenopsis molesta 10 Workers (mono)

Ants I Want: Crematogaster sp, Camponotus Sp., Ponera Pennsylvanica, Mymercocystus sp.

 

My Youtube channel: https://www.youtube....kUjx-dPFMyVqOLw

 

 Join Our Fledgling Discord Server https://discord.com/...089056687423489


#16 Offline Kaelwizard - Posted January 13 2021 - 6:41 AM

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I would look for a queen during nuptial flights in the summer rather than looking for a colony. You'll have to wait for a month or two to get workers, but it may be cool for your son to watch the eggs develop into workers over time. Collecting a mature colony could be harmful for the environment.


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#17 Offline AntsDakota - Posted January 13 2021 - 6:45 AM

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If someone tells you they just purchased a new computer and they want to know what games you might recommend, is it helpful to tell the person to buy a new computer?
Similarly, this person stated their son had received a toy ant farm and asked for advice on what ants to put in it.
We have a bad habit of telling newcomers that their brand-new equipment is inferior and that they should instead buy something from some other shop. This attitude makes the hobby less friendly and accessible.
Let's stick to helpfully answering the precise questions people ask. And if the person becomes more curious over time and wants to delve deeper into ant keeping, they can research more on their own and ask different questions.

Hello All. 
 
I appreciate the advice. Yes, I agree and understand that some equipment might be inferior (it was given as a gift from a family member) BUT we al also dealing with a 7 year old whos taste for things changes every 5 minuets. I am never one to squash his creativity and say no to something because we all need a little adventure in our lives. 
 
I am planning on moving forward with a small tube of Red Harverster ants that does not have a queen and then if his interest is peeked then I will be contacting tarheels and working on a more suitable habitat for a living creatures that will be in my house. 
 
I will also be digging around this spring to look for a queen and a colony. 
 
Cheers!!!!
 
Woodrock
I completely understand that, and I believe that in your place I would do the same thing. However ant keeping is a hobby for all, and as long as you’re here and looking into it, have you considered getting a long term colony just for yourself? I mean, ant keeping has been known to be very rewarding for all ages and even therapeutic, perfect for these stressful times.
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"God made..... all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. (including ants) And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:25 NIV version


#18 Offline woodrocked - Posted January 13 2021 - 11:39 AM

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If someone tells you they just purchased a new computer and they want to know what games you might recommend, is it helpful to tell the person to buy a new computer?
Similarly, this person stated their son had received a toy ant farm and asked for advice on what ants to put in it.
We have a bad habit of telling newcomers that their brand-new equipment is inferior and that they should instead buy something from some other shop. This attitude makes the hobby less friendly and accessible.
Let's stick to helpfully answering the precise questions people ask. And if the person becomes more curious over time and wants to delve deeper into ant keeping, they can research more on their own and ask different questions.

Hello All. 
 
I appreciate the advice. Yes, I agree and understand that some equipment might be inferior (it was given as a gift from a family member) BUT we al also dealing with a 7 year old whos taste for things changes every 5 minuets. I am never one to squash his creativity and say no to something because we all need a little adventure in our lives. 
 
I am planning on moving forward with a small tube of Red Harverster ants that does not have a queen and then if his interest is peeked then I will be contacting tarheels and working on a more suitable habitat for a living creatures that will be in my house. 
 
I will also be digging around this spring to look for a queen and a colony. 
 
Cheers!!!!
 
Woodrock
I completely understand that, and I believe that in your place I would do the same thing. However ant keeping is a hobby for all, and as long as you’re here and looking into it, have you considered getting a long term colony just for yourself? I mean, ant keeping has been known to be very rewarding for all ages and even therapeutic, perfect for these stressful times.

 

First off let me say that I like your tag line.

 

But to answer your question it might be rewarding to me in the future. I am a father of 3 under 7 years old and I have hobbies like keeping our cars running and will be finishing my basement soon, SO that might take up most of my time. 

 

I will consider it in the future. Right now, I got to get my kiddo a small hobby like ants because he is allergic to cats and dogs. 

 

Woodrock






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