5 replies to this topic

[Manitobant]

Disclaimer: I know this will be controversial and I'm not here to start a huge argument over keeping exotic ants. So can we please be civil and answer the questions instead of trashing another thread? Thanks!

So earlier today I made a thread asking about founding pogonomyrmex barbatus and the proper setups and food. The thing is, I did some more research and found conflicting evidence that barbatus is fully claustral, unlike other Pogonomyrmex. Are these just rumors or is barbatus actually fully claustral? If anyone can clear this up that would be very helpful!

[Roy3]

Arizona State University says this..... fully claustral. Wow

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[Silq]

Despite the article stating they are fully claustral and not to be fed, you can still provide food to a fully claustral queen as long as you don't stress her out and the food doesn't provide harm (not eaten and rotting) but it is not necessary. I've fed my founding crematogaster food with no problems.

Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

[jcisopodgang]

I think they are fully claustral but still forage. I know Pogonomyrmex occidentalis are fully but alot make it seem to be they are semi.

[FormiCanada]

I've heard reports of keepers finding complete success with these ants in test tubes by feeding them small amounts of rolled oats during the founding stage and thus continued after passing that stage! 

[CheetoLord02]

Pogonomyrmex barbatus group queens are designed to be fully claustral. However, unlike some other fully claustral queens, they may leave their claustral chamber to forage if they need a bit extra food. Normally I don't recommend feeding fully claustral queens, however with these gals it definitely doesn't hurt to offer some extra food in the middle of founding, so long as you keep stress levels low.