95 replies to this topic

[Antcatcherpro3]

Do they hibernate? 

[Kaelwizard]

Do they hibernate? 

I'm not sure about the ones THA provides, but it depends on what part of the US they come from. (for example if they live somewhere where it snows, than they might)

[KitsAntVa]

 

How fast do they grow?

Because I will also need to order a new formicarium depending on how  fast they grow.

They aren't the fastest growing, but when provided with lots of food they can grow a LOT faster.

 

I emphasize this a lot as in two months mine almost tripled their population.

[KitsAntVa]

 

Do they hibernate? 

I'm not sure about the ones THA provides, but it depends on what part of the US they come from. (for example if they live somewhere where it snows, than they might)

 

They do not need it but a good 2 month hibernation every couple of years really does good.

[Antcatcherpro3]

Oh ok. And final question, what ant farm should I put them in? I didn't order a tar heel ants formicarium because the ants were already expensive enough, but I do have some small plastic and glass jars that I could fill up with dirt. Or I could put them in my home made wood formicariums.

[TennesseeAnts]

None of those will work as formicaria. You might as well shell out the extra $35 for a Mini Hearth, as currently that's the only way you'll be able to keep them alive. Pogonomyrmex also have a painful sting- in case you didn't know- so make sure they are in a secure setup.

 

Edit: They are also "Harvester Ants", so you'll need to supply them with Kentucky Bluegrass seeds, Chia seeds, Dandelion seeds and also possibly Wheatgrass seeds constantly.

Edited by TennesseeAnts, March 12 2021 - 7:58 AM.

[Antcatcherpro3]

I didn't know they stung, that's nice to know... I will get a mini hearth. I have one but my other ants are occupying it, and its not the right size, so I will get another one.

[Antcatcherpro3]

I also have fluon, so I can put some of that around the top and sides of the mini hearth. I will keep them in the tube when they come because they will probably come before the mini hearth does.

[Kaelwizard]

Pogonomyrmex occidentalis SUCK at climbing, so you don't need to use fluon, but to be cautious you could.

[TennesseeAnts]

 You won't need fluon. They can't climb smooth surfaces.

[Antcatcherpro3]

That's what I thought, I just wanted to make sure.

[Antcatcherpro3]

Update on my formica: They are growing quicker now! The queen layed 3 more eggs since I last checked on them, and both nanitics are still alive, and they have 3 larvae.

[tdlnx]

 

Hi, Everyone - I’m so happy to see this particular topic. I expect to receive a Formica subsericea colony from Tar Heel Ants soon. I’m new to ant keeping as an adult, but had colonies when I was a child.

It seems a lot of people are now that he is selling them. 

 

 

That's why I took the plunge. It was pricey but I have zero experience catching my own queens and raising them by themselves, so getting a colony that was already starting to develop was worth the extra $$$ I think. they're a lot of fun to watch.

Edited by tdlnx, March 12 2021 - 4:02 PM.

[Antcatcherpro3]

Yep. I spent a lot, but it's gonna be worth it.

[KitsAntVa]

Pogonomyrmex are very fun ants but can be difficult sometimes. Just keep in mind they like humidity so give them water in their tower a lot. A tarheelants mini hearth is a great set up but once they get more workers (15-20) a different nest will also work, like a ytong Aus ants nest or bamboo test tubes. Keep in mind they like to explore and can be very smart sometimes so be smarter than them and don’t do something stupid, that’s why I haven’t got stung yet. They love raiding termites of all things and love fruit flies and roaches or the occasional cricket or two. Chia seeds are a seed since they love them. They will not eat any other seed except chia once they get them which is a bad and good thing because a big bag of chia seeds is about 8 dollars.

[Antcatcherpro3]

 I can buy chia seeds, and and I have most of those insects.

[Antcatcherpro3]

My formica are growing quickly! They have about 9 eggs now and 5 small larvae.

[8NIN8]

My formica are growing quickly! They have about 9 eggs now and 5 small larvae.

[8NIN8]

Good news! I’m hoping to receive my Formica subsericea colony this week.

[Antcatcherpro3]

Good for you. They are very fun ants to keep. And after they reach a few workers (at least for me) they will start laying a lot of eggs.