6 replies to this topic

[AntInSpaceFilms]

I’m currently collecting various ant specimens. It’s a personal hobby, but also something that holds deep meaning in my life and serves a serious purpose in my exploration and study of these fascinating creatures. Army ants are an astonishing species that most directly demonstrate the peak of collective intelligence.

 

As you may know, ant specimens aren’t exactly in high demand on the general market, which makes them difficult to find. However, from a capitalist perspective, when such specimens are sold at high prices, it can often encourage unethical collecting and threaten their survival.

 

Because of this, I’d like to kindly ask if you might be willing to offer a specimen rather than sell one.

If you’re involved in entomology or ecology, or if you’re an experienced collector, and happen to have any extra specimens of ants from the genus Eciton, I would be truly grateful if you could offer them to me free of charge, or at the very least, for a minimal price. Of course, I will cover all shipping costs via PayPal.

I’m currently looking for specimens of all species and castes within the genus Eciton. especially If you happen to have a specimen of an army ant queen, it would be appreciated.
 

Important: I never deal with specimens commercially. They are solely for the purpose of collection and study.
If you wish, I can provide photo or video evidence—even months or years from now—to prove that I still keep and preserve them.

 

 

 

 

Edited:

I’d like to clarify my intentions to avoid any misunderstandings.

I now realize that my request for a free specimen may have come across as inconsiderate, and I truly apologize if it did. I never meant to seem demanding or disrespectful.

 

If anyone is willing to offer specimens for sale instead, please feel free to let me know—I’ll be happy to pay a reasonable price.

 

Also, I’ve decided to give up on the idea of obtaining a queen specimen of Eciton. That was thoughtless of me. I now fully agree with the perspective that all queen ants, especially of such remarkable species, are incredibly valuable and should ideally belong in research institutions or museums, not private collections.

 

One day, I hope to travel to Peru and observe an army ant queen in her natural environment instead.

Edited by AntInSpaceFilms, April 9 2025 - 2:40 AM.

[MyrmecologyMaven]

Eciton Sp are hard to acquire in the USA. Preserved queens are very rare and unethical as the colony will die out if she's taken. I heavily doubt someone will have "extras" available for free. Eciton belong in the hands of museums. Not to be kept in a private collection.I also believe that saying "selling them for a high price will cause unethical collection" is just an excuse to get free rare specimens. You may have some luck looking online sites like eBay if you must acquire a specimen. If you actually want to study army ants I recommend you read "Army Ants, Natures ultimate social hunters".

[OiledOlives]

Eciton is very common in Central and South America -- no need to be so antagonistic! 

But yes, unlikely that people on this mainly US and CAN forum will have Eciton spmns; I have some from previous collecting trips but only a handful that I cannot part with. 

Cheers,

O. Y.

[AntInSpaceFilms]

Eciton Sp are hard to acquire in the USA. Preserved queens are very rare and unethical as the colony will die out if she's taken. I heavily doubt someone will have "extras" available for free. Eciton belong in the hands of museums. Not to be kept in a private collection.I also believe that saying "selling them for a high price will cause unethical collection" is just an excuse to get free rare specimens. You may have some luck looking online sites like eBay if you must acquire a specimen. If you actually want to study army ants I recommend you read "Army Ants, Natures ultimate social hunters".

 

Thank you for your comment. I completely understand your concerns and would like to clarify.

 

I’m not trying to get rare specimens for free or take advantage of anyone. I’m genuinely interested in Eciton army ants for academic, non-commercial purposes.

In many countries, paying for wildlife specimens may encourage illegal collecting, which I absolutely want to avoid. Of course, if a specimen has already been collected, that’s a different matter.

Right now, this is the only way I can hope to obtain an Eciton specimen. They don’t even appear on eBay. And although most ant specimens are not particularly expensive, I personally believe that receiving one as a kind offer is better than purchasing it. 

Also, In my country, there are no museums or public collections that display them, and the general interest in biology or entomology is quite low, so access is very limited.

However, If no one is willing to share a specimen and I end up being seen as insincere or cowardly, I understand - there's nothing I can do about that.

 

I really respect the passion this community has, and I want to be part of it in the right way.

Thanks again for bringing up an important point.

Edited by AntInSpaceFilms, April 8 2025 - 3:16 PM.

[AntInSpaceFilms]

Eciton is very common in Central and South America -- no need to be so antagonistic! 

But yes, unlikely that people on this mainly US and CAN forum will have Eciton spmns; I have some from previous collecting trips but only a handful that I cannot part with. 

Cheers,

O. Y.

 

I truly envy that. I also hope to travel to Peru someday and would love to see an army ant colony in person.

[AntInSpaceFilms]

Eciton Sp are hard to acquire in the USA. Preserved queens are very rare and unethical as the colony will die out if she's taken. I heavily doubt someone will have "extras" available for free. Eciton belong in the hands of museums. Not to be kept in a private collection.I also believe that saying "selling them for a high price will cause unethical collection" is just an excuse to get free rare specimens. You may have some luck looking online sites like eBay if you must acquire a specimen. If you actually want to study army ants I recommend you read "Army Ants, Natures ultimate social hunters".

 

After giving it more thought, I realize that my request may have been naive... I’ve edited my original post accordingly. I’m sorry if my post made you uncomfortable.

[MyrmecologyMaven]

 

Eciton Sp are hard to acquire in the USA. Preserved queens are very rare and unethical as the colony will die out if she's taken. I heavily doubt someone will have "extras" available for free. Eciton belong in the hands of museums. Not to be kept in a private collection.I also believe that saying "selling them for a high price will cause unethical collection" is just an excuse to get free rare specimens. You may have some luck looking online sites like eBay if you must acquire a specimen. If you actually want to study army ants I recommend you read "Army Ants, Natures ultimate social hunters".

 

After giving it more thought, I realize that my request may have been naive... I’ve edited my original post accordingly. I’m sorry if my post made you uncomfortable.

 

Sorry if I came off a bit rude. I thought you were attempting to lie to obtain free things. I've had people lie to me to obtain free Mesemb material before. I understand your original idea but most likely nobody will give any specimens away for free due to the travel and effort required to obtain them. Good luck in your endeavors and welcome to the forum.