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Which fruit flies to buy?

Started By CatsnAnts , Aug 3 2018 11:45 AM

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9 replies to this topic

#1 Offline CatsnAnts - Posted August 3 2018 - 11:45 AM

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I looked up wingless flies on amazon, and all of these different species come up, which should I get: Drosophila melanogaster or Drosophila hydei? I am keeping Camponotus, Crematogaster, Formica, and Lasius. Is there one species of fly that is good for all of them?

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#2 Offline Batspiderfish - Posted August 3 2018 - 12:00 PM

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D. melanogaster is easier to cultivate and their life-cycle is almost twice as fast, but D. heidei is about twice as large. Either of these choices will be fine for your particular ants (I haven't witnessed a generalist colony that doesn't love flies), but smaller ants tend to prefer smaller prey items.

Edited by Batspiderfish, August 3 2018 - 12:01 PM.

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If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.

Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.

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#3 Offline CatsnAnts - Posted August 3 2018 - 12:01 PM

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Thanks!

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#4 Offline rbarreto - Posted August 3 2018 - 12:02 PM

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I prefer the larger fruit flies. Even my smallest Lasius go nuts over them.

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#5 Offline CatsnAnts - Posted August 3 2018 - 12:03 PM

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Also, does anybody prefer crickets over flies? I’m debating on what to get. If so, what type of crickets?

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#6 Offline AntsAreUs - Posted August 3 2018 - 12:09 PM

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I don't like using crickets, they seem more like a luxury than anything to me.

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#7 Offline CatsnAnts - Posted August 3 2018 - 12:13 PM

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Sounds like flies it is, I’m leaning toward the smaller flies since they are easier to cultivate and I’ve never kept flies before.

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#8 Offline CatsnAnts - Posted August 3 2018 - 12:45 PM

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Does anybody know a good brand of Drosophila melanogaster cultures?

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#9 Offline Kotter - Posted August 3 2018 - 5:21 PM

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I bought this one. Easy to use, you just have to supply the fruit flies. I think most pets stores that also carry reptile supplies will usually carry live fruit flies as well - at least those around where I live do.

https://www.amazon.c...s/dp/B00UB2APJI