15 replies to this topic

[AntGuySA]

Hello to all

 

I am from Durban South Africa and recently got into ant keeping along with my daughter, we currently have 4 queens 3 are the same species and 1 is a much larger species, I am not sure if they are native or invasive there are many different ant species here but not very well documented so I will try and do my best to fix that, ants really are amazing pets and I have quite a few of them in my garden, we also have 2 dogs 1 bird and I also started keeping lion-ants as well they are really cute and lots of fun to watch, I have so many questions still to ask and look forward to meeting everyone here, thanks for reading.

 

Regards, AntGuySA

Edited by AntGuySA, February 25 2015 - 1:30 AM.

[antmaniac]

Hi from Australia, it would be cool to see ants in your region. You can share them in the ant journal section. What species is lion-ants? if you meant ant-lions, they are very fascinating indeed and easy to keep. In the end turn into pretty green fly.  

[dspdrew]

Welcome.

[Gregory2455]

Welcome!

[AntGuySA]

Hi to everyone 

 

thanks for the warm welcome, I am not sure on the species of ant-lions I have will try make a post on them, they are grayish color and change into a blue or green color as the dragon-fly stage, you are lucky antmaniac you have honey pots where you are, I will try upload pictures and make some posts tonight, thanks again for the warm welcome antmaniac, dspdrew and Gregory2455 I look forward to meeting everyone, thanks for reading.

 

Regards, AntGuySA

[Crystals]

Welcome. 

[Jonathan21700]

Hello AntGuySa! Welcome!

[antmaniac]

I haven't see any honey pot ants around my area, I suspect that they are in the outback (desert region) so it is difficult to get them.

[AntGuySA]

Hi Crystals and Jonathan21700

 

thanks for the warm welcome, antmaniac if its a few hours drive make a day of it or even stay over night there I am sure there are a few locals that still eat that sweet honey from them I have seen a video on you-tube and wished I was there if it taste as good as bee`s honey then I am sure it must be just as good for you as well, I have made some posts on my two types of species and hope to get an Id check them out if you have a chance, thanks for reading.

 

Regards, AntGuySA

[antmaniac]

In my opinion, catching a queen ant is all about luck. On another hand, I already got too much colonies this year to look after.

[AntGuySA]

Hi antmaniac

 

I would say half and half as luck is 1 thing and looking in the right places as well going off others experience, I have read lots of posts before looking and watched so many videos, but I did find my 1 queen on sher luck, but I did see big black ants but not many as the Pheidole ants.

 

Regards, AnyGuySA

[antmaniac]

That is true. Ants which are more common in the area plus good timing means higher chance of getting a queen, but it is not guaranteed. 

[AntGuySA]

I have noticed that you can go days looking and only see workers, soldiers or graveyards   it is an amazing hobby and I am happy my daughter and I got into it, even if some days your luck has left without you.

 

Regards, AntGuySA

[antmaniac]

Yes, very well said. Yesterday I found my 6th queen this year in the infamous bucket of water in my garden. I tried to share the joy before I worry about formicarium building and ant keeping. 

[AntGuySA]

Hey antmaniac 

 

I on Friday I also obtained my 6th queen, when you say bucket of water do you mean she was floating in the water when you found her or close by it? I also need to get into gear and make some formicarium`s as I see some mold starting in a test-tube and a few containers, we bot must make some journals as I would love to see your species, let me make this last Id post and I will start some journals soon, thanks for reading.

 

Regards, AntGuySA

[antmaniac]

Hey antmaniac 

 

I on Friday I also obtained my 6th queen, when you say bucket of water do you mean she was floating in the water when you found her or close by it? I also need to get into gear and make some formicarium`s as I see some mold starting in a test-tube and a few containers, we bot must make some journals as I would love to see your species, let me make this last Id post and I will start some journals soon, thanks for reading.

 

Regards, AntGuySA

Ok, this would be my last comment for this post. The method I use to collect queen is I put a large bucket outside, ideally low height and wide. The queens would drop into the "pool" of water after nuptial flight and I just simply "rescue" them out of water. Best time to check the bucket is on sunny warm days after rain.