8 replies to this topic

[FeedTheAnts]

I've been seeing a lot of these little circle, white bugs in some ant nests(pretty sure they are Root Aphids), and the thought occurred as to whether or not I could take some and give it them to my ants( I'd probably give them to my Formica). A little research tells me that they form a symbiotic relationship with ants by giving them honeydew in return for protection. Has anyone ever done this before? Would I need to feed them? 

Thanks for any input

Edited by TennesseeAnts, March 5 2018 - 2:04 PM.

[Reevak]

Sounds to me like you have mites (assuming you don't know what they look like), but if you do plan on keeping root aphids then they'd need to be able to drink from the roots of a plant. I'm not sure if any plant would work or if it has to be a specific plant.

Edited by Reevak, March 5 2018 - 2:23 PM.

[FeedTheAnts]

Sounds to me like you have mites (assuming you don't know what they look like), 

I don't understand what you mean by this, these are wild ant colonies that I've observed these little bugs in. they aren't in my captive colonies. They are definitely Root Aphids.

[LC3]

What species nests were they in? Subterranean Lasius spp. are known for farming a variety of root aphids and mealybugs. Root aphids and other subterranean sap suckers will feed on roots from a variety of different grasses, weeds, trees, shrubs and some crops like corn, depending on the species.

[Reevak]

I don't understand what you mean by this, these are wild ant colonies that I've observed these little bugs in. they aren't in my captive colonies. They are definitely Root Aphids.

I thought you meant that you found them in your nests. 

[FeedTheAnts]

What species nests were they in? Subterranean Lasius spp. are known for farming a variety of root aphids and mealybugs. Root aphids and other subterranean sap suckers will feed on roots from a variety of different grasses, weeds, trees, shrubs and some crops like corn, depending on the species.

Myrmica sp. Would I be able to rip up some roots and allow the ants to carry it into their nests?

[LC3]

Well you can but they would wither quite quickly. 

[AnthonyP163]

 

What species nests were they in? Subterranean Lasius spp. are known for farming a variety of root aphids and mealybugs. Root aphids and other subterranean sap suckers will feed on roots from a variety of different grasses, weeds, trees, shrubs and some crops like corn, depending on the species.

Myrmica sp. Would I be able to rip up some roots and allow the ants to carry it into their nests?

 

If you're interested in aphids, a natural setup is almost always required. 

 

Having trouble finding aphids? Look in Lasius colonies under rocks, or look on the bottom of plant leaves. I tend to find TONS of aphids on milkweed. 

[FeedTheAnts]

 

 

What species nests were they in? Subterranean Lasius spp. are known for farming a variety of root aphids and mealybugs. Root aphids and other subterranean sap suckers will feed on roots from a variety of different grasses, weeds, trees, shrubs and some crops like corn, depending on the species.

Myrmica sp. Would I be able to rip up some roots and allow the ants to carry it into their nests?

 

If you're interested in aphids, a natural setup is almost always required. 

 

Having trouble finding aphids? Look in Lasius colonies under rocks, or look on the bottom of plant leaves. I tend to find TONS of aphids on milkweed. 

 

 

Okay thanks for your input. I just took my colony of Formica out of a natural nest and I don't intend on putting them back in. It was just an idea.

 

. 

Edited by TennesseeAnts, March 7 2018 - 6:25 AM.