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An ant size comparison photo for new keepers

size comparison antkeeping

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#1 Offline OhNoNotAgain - Posted June 2 2023 - 9:19 AM

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Thought this photo might be useful to new antkeepers.

Comparison of “small” and “large” ants. Keep in mind that tiny ants are even smaller by far (like only 1.5mm or less), while there are also even larger species at the other extreme.

The ants at the top of the photo are Liometopum occidentale, which is kinda close to Tetramorium size, and the bottom are Camponotus quercicola/laevigatus, very roughly equivalent to C. pennsylvanicus. The ants are at about the same height, as is the ruler.

While large ants are easy to keep contained, small ants are not. They can fit through the tiniest gaps, cracks, holes, etc. And even if a starter colony’s ants show no inclination to escape, the older and more numerous the workers get, the more they will be trying to get out. Under 20 workers is tame, but after 1000 ants act more like a hungry fluid trying to leak out of containers.

IMG_7090.jpeg
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Formiculture Journals::

Veromessor pergandei, andrei; Novomessor cockerelli

Camponotus fragilis; also separate journal: Camponotus sansabeanus, vicinus, quercicola

Liometopum occidentale;  Prenolepis imparis; Myrmecocystus mexicanus

Pogonomyrmex subnitidus and previously californicus

Tetramorium sp.

Termites: Zootermopsis angusticollis

 

Isopods: A. gestroi, granulatum, kluugi, maculatum, vulgare; C. murina; P. hoffmannseggi, P. haasi, P. ornatus; V. parvus

Spoods: Phidippus sp.


#2 Offline Serafine - Posted June 2 2023 - 9:53 AM

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I made a few comparison pictures a while ago, maybe they're useful here.

 

 

 

Solenopsis fugax - Myrmica rubra (about the size of Lasius sp) - Camponotus barbaricus (minor workers)


Edited by Serafine, June 2 2023 - 9:54 AM.

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We should respect all forms of consciousness. The body is just a vessel, a mere hull.

Welcome to Lazy Tube - My Camponotus Journal


#3 Online ANTdrew - Posted June 2 2023 - 12:05 PM

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It’s really not that hard containing small ants. It helps if you know how to make your own setups.
"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.

#4 Offline Serafine - Posted June 3 2023 - 8:46 AM

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That's what people like to say. Then they experience Lasius niger.


We should respect all forms of consciousness. The body is just a vessel, a mere hull.

Welcome to Lazy Tube - My Camponotus Journal





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