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MorbidMike: Ants with majors, which species to take? (10. Jul 2009 15:28)

So, I have had several species now, but I have never kept a species with majors (meaning, real 'soldier' ants with big heads, not just larger workers like F. sanguinea has).

My question is now... which species with majors is easiest/most interesting/coolest/most agressive, which one would you recommend? I have thought of Camponotus species (was thinking ligniperda or barbaricus), Messor barbarus, Pheidole pallidula. I do not have any experience with South European species (but I do have experience with 5 different North European ones), so if I need to use some source of warmth it will be new for me (though I do like a challenge!). Tell me your favourite species! Convince me to keep it 8)

damondeionno: Re: Ants with majors, which species to take? (10. Jul 2009 16:10)

Pheidole pallidula are tiny, but very very cool. They are also extremely robust. Pheidole are some of my favourite ants and I love observing them wherever I go in the world. They exhibit very strong group behaviour if that makes sense. They are even better at making trails than lasius, and there is always movement back and forward. They are also very aggressive.

Messor barbarus are lovely ants, but although they can get aggressive they don't really give the impression of a ruthless hunter like P. pallidula (which at times are almost like army ants in their response and enthusiasm). Individually M. barbarus are very beautiful. They also take up a lot more space.

At the other extreme are something like Cataglyphis - I haven't kept them only observed them in the wild. If you've got the space, I think velox would be awesome. They exhibit strong worker polymorphism are fast moving and aggressive. They won't do the group think like Pheidole but they are much more intelligent as individuals.

Downside with pallidula is that they can easily set up residence somewhere undesirable if your outbreak protection isn't perfect. It's happened to me. Fortunately it was a small colony. My current colony, if that escaped, I don't even want to think about it.