sithmaster676: (28. Nov 2007 22:03)

it wouldn't be illegal if you found the formica rufa queen from the mating flights but you cannot harm a colony in anyway to get a queen
Sithmaster676

damondeionno: (28. Nov 2007 22:38)

I don't think Formica rufa are a good candidate for captivity, regardless of the legal implications. Simply their lifestyle wouldn't suit artificial nests. Their natural nest building would be very hard to replicate.

You are lucky to have them nearby and if I were you I would just enjoy them in their natural habitat.

Now, an outdoor F. rufa nest in a big garden... That would be something else...

JimmyVe: (28. Nov 2007 23:53)

It still is illegal also if you capture a queen after mating flights. (at least here in Belgium it is)
Damondeinno is wright, there nest building is not easy to make with a artificial nest. If not impossible.
I know they are nice ants but it better to leave them in the forest and take another nice ant in you home. ;)

SteveUK28: (29. Nov 2007 11:15)

Thanks for the input guys... you said about nest in a large back garden lol..
i do have a large back garden ;)
Lol still.. i think il keep ur advise and just visit.. i wouldnt want to harm them in any way and if gettin there nest right is gonna be nie on impossible id rather them make there own way. Still cool tho.. In the summer i shall get you some nice pics then.. especialy of the queens ;)

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