Alexander:): Formica fusca (23. Feb 2008 21:17)

Hey Guys Alex Here

So i'm thinkin about getting some F ormica fusca.I have experiance with L asius niger. I know that they like wood. But thats about it :P

So i was hoping you guys could tell me more. Do they need a farm or basin?? etc etc :)

Thanks

Alex[B]

tail__: (24. Feb 2008 09:08)

Formica fusca can live in the same type of formicarium as Lasius niger, can be in soil, cork, ytong, anything suitable. They are also easy to tend and develop fast. You only have to remember they are quite nervous, like all Formica, and need to be placed in quiet place and not disturbed. They really hate any shaking or poking. Other ants dislike it too, but Formica are especially sensitive.

Alexander:): (24. Feb 2008 12:52)

They sound easy to keep ;) How quick do they grow. I know they have more than 1 queen.

And do i need to put some wood in the basin. Like a log or sommet?

Thanks

Alex

thomie: (24. Feb 2008 14:08)

As far as i know you don't have to put wood in the basin, but in my opinion you can keep the ants best at the most natural way (with wood :P). Wood is also a good decoration for the basin.

Alexander:): (24. Feb 2008 14:46)

Hi Thomie

If you put wood in the basin like a log or something. Do they nest in in it??

Thanks

Alex

mzfckr: (24. Feb 2008 16:56)

i think they will nest in it if its damp.maybe im wrong

thomie: (24. Feb 2008 17:45)

What kind of nest do you want to start?
If you make a nest witch is separated from the basin the basin is dry and the ants wont nest inside of the wood.
Wood is often soft when it's wet so the ants are able to cut truth it and nest inside it, but there have to bet the right moisture inside of the wood.
If the ants nest inside of the wood you've to dry the wood and then they'll search for a better nest.
When you've got Y-tong or a test-tube nest the ants might cut the wood and take it inside the nest (if the wood is dry i guess the ants wont cut it and take it inside of the nest).

JimmyVe: (24. Feb 2008 18:41)

It may look nice to have a Wooden nest but it is difficult to keep the wood moist and to use a log big enough for a hole colony. Still if you like it, it is worth a shot. ;)

They grow a little bit slower than Lasius niger .

Alexander:): (24. Feb 2008 20:01)

Thanks everyone your advice has been helpfull ;)

Alex

mvannunen: (25. Feb 2008 12:08)

I'm just starting a F.Fusca colony.

But my queen is still hibernating and all of her workers died in transport. And no brood maybe she ate the brood.

But however I hope too get by this difficult situation and help her too form a big colony. So hopefully I get some experience with F. Fusca.