ANTSTORE World of Ants

[SlyKoala]

I'm interested in starting a Lasius niger Colony, but was wondering if I should wait intill spring, or order the queen + workers now. Thanks for any advise

[Niallr2012]

I believe they hibernate from late October to late March.

So maybe order a colony mid March? Or get a colony that doesn't hibernate.

[SlyKoala]

Ok thanks, does anyone know of European ants that do not hibernate?

[suckgasse]

There are differences between southern european and northern european ants.
In general, the southern european ants hibernate from November - February (3-4 months) and the northern or central european ants from more or less October - March (5-6 months). Lasius niger definately needs 5-6 months. There are exotic ants from Asia, Australia or America, that don´t need to hibernate but they also have little breaks where they rest and recuperate.

[Niallr2012]

You could try Pheidole pallidula, they do hibernate but for less time like 3 months. And have really nice soldier cast! A lot of other Pheidole ants don't hibernate you should shop around

[SlyKoala]

So do you know of any southern European ants that a beginner could have? or do you think it would be best to wait intill march. Thanks for the replys

[suckgasse]

Its Pheidole pallidula.
You could try them or wait until March. If you choose Pheidole pallidula, you need a very good protection that they don´t escape because they are specialists in escaping. And they are super small! I would wait until March and start with Lasius niger, would be the easiest way of starting with ants.

[SlyKoala]

Ok thanks for the advise, Three months to go.

[suckgasse]

Don´t give up waiting!
It´s absolutely worth it and you will have a lot of fun in March with a fresh and recuperated colony

[Niallr2012]

There are other Pheidole ants that do not hibernate just shop around I am sure you will find a colony if you really want one!


[Edit: Mod]

[SlyKoala]

Hmm... 3 month is a long time, would getting Pheidole pallidula really be such a bad thing? is there anything you could tell me about them?

[suckgasse]

The big problem is that they a very very small as I already told you before.
I personally wouldn´t recommend you Pheidole pallidula as your first ants, they require a bunch of knowledge if you want to keep them successfully.

[SlyKoala]

I see... do they need certain temperatures? what kind of care do they require?

[Markus]

Long said short: they are very small and agressive expandors,
that means, that they may escape fast and then you have a pest ant in your home;
that may include following costs very high -
starting with ants native to your country may prevent you from such dangers!

And you simply have to learn to wait,
if you want to keep ants suczessfully!

[SlyKoala]

Are there any other southern European ants that i could purchase?