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jon777: Advice for new ant colony (14. Sep 2011 19:10)

Hello all,

I'm going to be starting a photography project based on ants for the next year, so i would like to keep a colony to study and have easy access for photographs. I have spent the past few months researching about keeing ants and have built my first y-tong nest :D

I would like to use UK species to; promote our own species and they are cheaper (and also i dont want to introduce new species if they escape #-o ). I need a species that would be quite active with some interesting behaviour. Also the bigger the better as i hope to get very close-up photos of them. Also maybe not too fast as ants are not easy to photograph at the best of times!

The species i have been consiering are; Myrmica rubra, Formica fusca, Camponotus ligniperdus or Camponotus herculeanus. However if you have anyother suggestions they would be much apreciate :D

Many thanks for your help!

Shiver: Re: Advice for new ant colony (15. Sep 2011 16:51)

Formica fusca (can be timid) or spend a bit more and get Formica sanguinea (if available)

You could introduce other Formica (best F.fusca) species eggs/larvae/cocoons to Formica sanguinea to get some more interesting photos ;)

Camponotus aren't UK species and are slow to grow so might not be ideal for you next year.