36 replies to this topic

[tdlnx]

I placed a new order for a colony of formica subsericea from Tar Heel Ants (and this time double checked the legality of it all) and they will hopefully be here soon. These gals look pretty cool so I’m happy about that.

 

Has anyone here raised a colony of these gals and have any tips or “I wish I had known...” advice? I’ve been reading everything I can get my hands on about them in order to get prepared.

Edited by tdlnx, February 18 2021 - 6:47 AM.

[KitsAntVa]

1. They are sensitive ants
2. they like sugar
3. they love fruit flies and mealworms
4. use a mini hearth for their first nest
5. mostly use tarheelants products until they get around max colony size.

[ANTdrew]

Care for Formica is pretty standard. I have a very closely related species to the one you have that you can read about in my journal.
The main thing to keep in mind is that they are very timid and cautious. They spray formic acid when frightened (hence the name!), so any formicarium you use needs to be able to absorb that. A THA mini-hearth would work great. Mine are thriving in a soil nest, but the sacrifice there is visibility. Mostly you’ll need a lot of patience with these, but the pay off is worth it. At least that’s what I’m telling myself!

[tdlnx]

Looking at the best way to provide the ants water, would something similar to gel be ok or should it be avoided? I’ve kept crickets before using Fluker’s Cricket Quencher to hydrate them, but I don’t know if that’s a good idea for ants or not.

 

If that doesn’t work I’m thinking the “test tube and cotton stopper” method is probably the best.

[ANTdrew]

If you keep them in the standard test tube setup, they can get all the water they need right from the cotton. If you have them in any other kind of formicarium, I'd recommend liquid feeders from byFormica. THA nestmates would be ideal as well if you keep them in a mini-hearth. Don't do the gel.

Edited by ANTdrew, February 19 2021 - 10:09 AM.

[Antkeeper01]

I placed a new order for a colony of formica subsericea from Tar Heel Ants (and this time double checked the legality of it all) and they will hopefully be here soon. These gals look pretty cool so I’m happy about that.

 

Has anyone here raised a colony of these gals and have any tips or “I wish I had known...” advice? I’ve been reading everything I can get my hands on about them in order to get prepared.

i really want to bey these maybe soon!

[tdlnx]

If you keep them in the standard test tube setup, they can get all the water they need right from the cotton. If you have them in any other kind of formicarium, I'd recommend liquid feeders from byFormica. THA nestmates would be ideal as well if you keep them in a mini-hearth. Don't do the gel.

 

Perfect, I’ll skip the gel. I may order a hearth at some point but I’m planning on putting them in a small formicarium sold by UtahAntShop. Once that arrives I’ll have a better idea of how much room I’m working with (it’s always so hard to get a real feel based on measurements/pictures online).

 

The colony I ordered is only coming with something like 5 workers, so they’ll likely be living in the test tube for a while before I move them anyway. 

[tdlnx]

The new formicarium showed up today and I really love the design. Now to try and be patient while I wait for the ants to ship.

Has anyone used a formicarium similar to this and/or have any tips?[

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[ANTdrew]

What is the nest part made of?

[tdlnx]

Not sure exactly, here are some photos with the cover off in case someone can identify it. I bought it from UtahAntShop on Etsy.

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[gs5248]

Really cool UtahAntShop nest! Reminds me a lot of the THA fallen fortress.

What is the nest part made of?

It is made out of gypsum plaster and concrete.

Edited by gs5248, February 25 2021 - 7:07 PM.

[MysticNanitic]

Yes I’ve used these, they are made in China. They took about a month and a half to arrive, in good shape (faster from Utah Ant Shop no doubt). The outworld is very small, comparable to minihearth, room for two medium byformica feeders (one water, one sweet) and a small feeding dish. The water tower is small, but with the acrylic around the plaster evaporation is limited. I top them off every weekend. Be sure to cut down the little piece of tubing to 1cm or so and place in the outworld and nest pass through.
They aren’t nearly as visually appealing as a minihearth, more maintenance that a tub and tube, and the lid just sits on top. Decent looking and value for the price in my opinion, I’m using for a couple small Camponotus colonies and a Pogonomyrmex (until recently).

I’ve never raised a Formica species. There is no way to add ventilation to this nest the way you can with the mini hearth ports - does anyone with Formica experience think that may present a problem?

Edited by MysticNanitic, February 27 2021 - 1:55 PM.

[gs5248]

I don't think it would present a problem. If they get riled up and stared spraying formic acid, the gypsum plaster and the concrete would be able to absorb it. Problems will usually only occur when formica sp. is housed in an acrylic nest.

Edited by gs5248, February 25 2021 - 9:47 PM.

[ANTdrew]

I don't think it would present a problem. If they get riled up and stared spraying formic acid, the gypsum plaster and the concrete would be able to absorb it. Problems will usually only occur when formica sp. is housed in an acrylic nest.

I agree with this. Just be sure to keep disturbances to a minimum. Place the nest in an area with dim light and minimum vibrations. That red screen will help you look at them without stressing them too much. As an aside, my Formica really love small insects they can drag into their nests. They go bananas for pre-frozen termites. Good luck!

[tdlnx]

Awesome all good info! This is my very first attempt so fingers crossed. When the ants show up I think I’ll start a journal here as well.

[Ants_Dakota]

Awesome all good info! This is my very first attempt so fingers crossed. When the ants show up I think I’ll start a journal here as well.

yes. the secret to formica is to not check on them more than once a week, and to keep fresh food in their outworld at all times. Byformica feeders are good for honey and water, and with smaller colonies, they last a month. also try to feed them protein 2 or 3 times a week. that will keep the brood growing steadily. formica seem, in my opinion, to need fresh food way more often than other colonies. my camponotus can go a week without protein, and keep the larvae growing, but my formica can not. hope that helps!

[gs5248]

Awesome all good info! This is my very first attempt so fingers crossed. When the ants show up I think I’ll start a journal here as well.

I wish you good luck! 

Edited by gs5248, February 26 2021 - 3:35 PM.