Jump to content

  • Chat
  •  
  •  

Welcome to Formiculture.com!

This is a website for anyone interested in Myrmecology and all aspects of finding, keeping, and studying ants. The site and forum are free to use. Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation points to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!

Photo

How does one keep an entirely subterranean species like Lasius nearcticus?


  • Please log in to reply
3 replies to this topic

#1 Offline spinyeti - Posted September 14 2015 - 9:45 AM

spinyeti

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 49 posts
  • LocationConnecticut, USA
I've recently caught and had identified in another thread some Lasius nearcticus queens. I'm trying to do research on them now, to figure out a nest/formicarium/outworld/feeding plan. What little I can find points to them being an almost exclusively subterranean species, feeding on honeydew from root aphids, and never foraging outside.

I am struggling to come up with nesting and feeding ideas. I'd love to be able to observe them easily, as most of my ant-keeping fun comes from seeing things happen.

What do you guys think?

#2 Offline William. T - Posted September 14 2015 - 9:50 AM

William. T

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 725 posts
  • LocationWestern Maryland

As long as you keep them dark, and with some dirt in their test tubes, I think you will be fine.


Species I keep:

 

1 Lasius cf. Neoniger 30 workers

1 Camponotus sp. 15 workers

20 Tetramorium SpE 30 workers

1 T. Sessile 200 workers

 


#3 Offline spinyeti - Posted September 14 2015 - 10:52 AM

spinyeti

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 49 posts
  • LocationConnecticut, USA
Currently they are stored in a drawer in my office, in test tubes. I'm not going to disturb them for at least a week, possibly longer if I can resist the urge to peek at them.
I'm guessing the outworld needs for this species is incredibly minimal, so long as I provide adequate humidity/water, ventilation, and source of sugar water (mimicking the root aphids they won't have access to)?

#4 Offline William. T - Posted September 14 2015 - 11:29 AM

William. T

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 725 posts
  • LocationWestern Maryland

Currently they are stored in a drawer in my office, in test tubes. I'm not going to disturb them for at least a week, possibly longer if I can resist the urge to peek at them.
I'm guessing the outworld needs for this species is incredibly minimal, so long as I provide adequate humidity/water, ventilation, and source of sugar water (mimicking the root aphids they won't have access to)?

Sounds good. You need to hibernate them first, since you caught them in the Autumn.


Species I keep:

 

1 Lasius cf. Neoniger 30 workers

1 Camponotus sp. 15 workers

20 Tetramorium SpE 30 workers

1 T. Sessile 200 workers

 





1 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users