3 replies to this topic

[wigchert]

Hey guys!

 

So I just got back from the woods, looking for queens. I stumbled upon something really interesting! There was a huge migration happening of Formica Rufa (or a very close relative), ants everywhere with brood in their jaws, but also a bunch of queens walking around. I had some jars with me so I caught 2 queens (there were plenty left) and a few workers.

 

I'm really new to ant keeping so in hindsight, after reading a bit more about the species, I could have better gotten some of the brood instead. I now have 2 queens in separate test tubes and 4 workers in a Tupperware box. I tried to introduce one of the queens to the workers but they immediately started attack her.

 

The reason why I tried to introduce the queen to the workers was because I read that this species is parasitic. This would mean that if I leave them in a test tube alone, they won't make it?

 

Is there anything I can do to attempt at least 1 colony happening?

 

Thanks!

[wigchert]

After reading some more about how Formica species have slave ants. I don't think what I saw was a migration but rather a raid on another Formica species and them stealing the brood for slaves. Interesting!

[wigchert]

It's also probably Formica sanguinea instead of Formica rufa.

[Batspiderfish]

You'll want to get them identified first. I don't think taking from established colonies is the best way to start the hobby. Formica rufa (which often have satellite nests that they move between) are a protected species in many European countries.