6 replies to this topic

[Arrowscotch]

Just a quick question. how fast will a myrmica colony grow, I found a queen this evening under some rocks.

[T.C.]

Hello, honestly, I have had no luck raising myrmica colonies from just a queen. I caught a whole colony in a flood once when they were in a big floating pile. They were real fun, and I kept them for a while. However they kept getting out of the cheap nest I had made them. (Picture of them below) However I have heard the queens like the ability to forage during the founding process? I have tried several different approaches such as several queens all together and, then just one alone. Then i would try smaller nests, then larger nests. Changing humidity levels. No luck at all. So when I see the queens I pay no attention to them. However it can be done, so i guess wait for someone a little more helpful than me to come along.

 

[Canadian anter]

Hello, honestly, I have had no luck raising myrmica colonies from just a queen. I caught a whole colony in a flood once when they were in a big floating pile. They were real fun, and I kept them for a while. However they kept getting out of the cheap nest I had made them. (Picture of them below) However I have heard the queens like the ability to forage during the founding process? I have tried several different approaches such as several queens all together and, then just one alone. Then i would try smaller nests, then larger nests. Changing humidity levels. No luck at all. So when I see the queens I pay no attention to them. However it can be done, so i guess wait for someone a little more helpful than me to come along.

 

TC same. but Some of my friends have raised them pretty darn succesfuly. They are definitly semi-claustral and I would say the best way is to give them a container of dirt and give them food with aluminum foil plates. Also, being in a darker place seems very important to their survival.

[AnthonyP163]

Just a quick question. how fast will a myrmica colony grow, I found a queen this evening under some rocks.

Are you sure it's Myrmica? Cause they usually aren't found around this time of year.

[Arrowscotch]

all of the ants that i have found have been in claustral chambers that were dug last year. 

[LC3]

 

Just a quick question. how fast will a myrmica colony grow, I found a queen this evening under some rocks.

Are you sure it's Myrmica? Cause they usually aren't found around this time of year.

 

 

 

all of the ants that i have found have been in claustral chambers that were dug last year. 

 

The Myrmica we have here will hibernate over winter as well, usually under some stones or moss and leaf litter. It's sometimes easier to find them over the duration of spring when they're out about and foraging then during their nuptial flights.

 

I've never tried raising Myrmica how you would raise ants traditionally. I've only ever introduced workers or brood boosted. 

[Arrowscotch]

Unfortunately the Queen has died due to drowning..... on a cotton ball. I think i'll stick to the larger ants.