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Hello Im Michelle

Started By Antqueen , May 18 2016 2:02 PM

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12 replies to this topic

#1 Offline Antqueen - Posted May 18 2016 - 2:02 PM

Newbie

Members
4 posts

LocationPlacentia, CA

Hello all ant lovers,

I am new to anting. I just ordered my formicarium through ants canada. I've been watching several videos and am super excited to raise my first ant colony once the formicarium arrives. Anyone in the So Cal area who sells ants? I'm looking for some good sized ones so I don't have to worry too much about the possible escapes.

Foogoo likes this

#2 Offline Subverted - Posted May 18 2016 - 3:13 PM

Advanced Member

Members
447 posts

LocationSoCal

Welcome!

There are a surprising number of ant keepers in SoCal and a large number of species will be having their mating flights in the next few months...

You should be able to find someone to buy some ants from...or maybe even find some yourself!

My ants | My free feeder design | PM or email me if you need and 3d printing, cnc machining, or manufacturing done: http://www.lrmachining.com

Make your own mold/fungus/bacteria resistant test tube water! Don't get ripped off! Read my simple guide: http://www.formicult...-simple-how-to/

"Self-education is, I firmly believe, the only kind of education there is." - Isaac Asimov

#3 Offline Foogoo - Posted May 18 2016 - 5:43 PM

Advanced Member

Members
1,161 posts

LocationLos Angeles, CA

Hello all ant lovers,

I am new to anting. I just ordered my formicarium through ants canada. I've been watching several videos and am super excited to raise my first ant colony once the formicarium arrives. Anyone in the So Cal area who sells ants? I'm looking for some good sized ones so I don't have to worry too much about the possible escapes.

Welcome! You're right up against the Chino Hills, a lot of good species up there.

Camponotus vicinus, Crematogaster 1, Crematogaster 2, Formica francoeuri, *, *, Myrmecocystus testaceus, Novomessor cockerelli, Pheidole hyatti, Pogonomyrmex californicus, Pogonomyrmex rugosus, Solenopsis invicta

#4 Offline Antqueen - Posted May 18 2016 - 11:02 PM

Newbie

Members
4 posts

LocationPlacentia, CA

I'm so glad I found this site. You all have been so welcoming. Thank you. What is something you wish you knew that you know now when you were starting out?

#5 Offline Confrere - Posted May 18 2016 - 11:16 PM

Member

Members
19 posts

LocationVancouver, BC

Welcome!

Have enough test tubes available.I only had two test tubes at first. A big flight happened I had to use a bunch of old CD cases instead. Constantly keeping the cotton balls in them wet was a pain.

#6 Offline dspdrew - Posted May 19 2016 - 4:36 AM

Owner

Administrator
9,835 posts

LocationSanta Ana, CA

Im so glad I found this site. You all have been so welcoming. Thank you. What is something you wish you knew that you know now when you were starting out?

The times of the year that different species fly. I missed quite a few in my first year of doing this. If you check this chart, you should be ready for them.

http://www.formicult...nt-mating-chart

My Ant Colonies | My Projects | Ants for Sale | Ant Keeping Products | Southern California Ant Map

#7 Offline NightsWebs - Posted May 19 2016 - 5:36 AM

Advanced Member

Members
217 posts

LocationSo Cal

Welcome to the forum and the site! Firstly, watch lots of videos and learn! I know lots of people keep test tubes and if you are planning on retaining lots of queens its a good idea. But, if your not I recommend something with more space like the smaller mason jars. The SoCal ants do much better in soil setups, after all they dig in the earth. Also, Drew is a GAN who sells ant species and setups. I am located in San Diego.

Current Colonies;

Acromyrmex Versicolor

Dorymyrmex Bicolor

Pogonomyrmex Californicus
Pogonomyrmex Rugosus

Pogonomyrmex Tenuispinus
Novomessor Cockerelli
Myrmecocystus Mexicanus

Last Update: 08 Jul 2016

#8 Offline Foogoo - Posted May 19 2016 - 8:55 AM

Advanced Member

Members
1,161 posts

LocationLos Angeles, CA

I'm so glad I found this site. You all have been so welcoming. Thank you. What is something you wish you knew that you know now when you were starting out?

If possible, go hunting with a few folks to know what founding chambers look like, how to dig them up, what queens look like, etc. Although Drew's videos and pictures were extremely helpful too.

#9 Offline Bigb - Posted May 19 2016 - 2:25 PM

Advanced Member

Moderators
30 posts

LocationLa Mirada, CA

Welcome to the forum! I too would recommend going out with other enthusiasts to hunt for queens. You will find plenty of information here and there are some very knowledgeable members who can answer any questions you may have.