7 replies to this topic

[AntTeen804]

Found in a dirt nest under moss
They are about 6mm in length

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[dermy]

Either Myrmica or maybe Aphanogaster?

[dean_k]

Could be both. And both species need really close shot to determine. Like we need a very close shot of its antennae, thorax, as well as its spine.

 

Observe them a bit and see if they initiate regurgitation. If they do, they are likely Myrmica. If they don't do regurgitation at all, Aphanogaster.

[Myrmicinae]

Definitely Aphaenogaster.  I couldn't tell you the species though.

[AntTeen804]

The queen looks just like myrmica

[Jonathan21700]

These are Aphaenogaster not Myrmica.

Edited by Jonathan21700, April 22 2015 - 1:25 PM.

[Crystals]

Aphaenogaster.

Nice find.  They can be fun, and occasionally challenging, to keep.  It really depends on the exact species.

 

They really like to bury food, sweets, waterers, and anything that is in any way, shape or form edible. 

Keep some loose substrate as many seem to use substrate to transport food.  But don't keep too much or they have a great time playing with it. 

 

I found their care is similar to Myrmica in most respects.  Although Dean had a very different experience than I did, so keep in mind that it can vary greatly.

I found mine liked heat, most insects (especially the really small ones like fruit flies), and sugar water.  Mine did not like regular room lighting, but tolerated a slightly lower light. 

 

While starting out, I advise using tinfoil to offer a drop or two of sugar water every day or so, since my colony of 50 or so workers loves to play a game called "Lets see if we can build a 4cm long bridge out of sand and drain the waterer before she comes home from work again!" 

If you like an ant that likes to come up with more ideas to challenge you ability - you just found it.  These ants have more ideas than an active 2 year old. 

 

Oh, they are escape artists too.  I advise a tight lid - a very tight lid with very fine mesh on the air hole.

 

 

Did you also find the queen?  

I was so used to Myrmica that I was surprised by how large the Aphaenogaster queens were compared to their workers.

[AntTeen804]

The queen is about the same size as the workers.
I had aphaenogaster but I don't like them for some reason.