ANTSTORE World of Ants

[miszt]

Hi Steve, re the formicarium for P. dives, I was going to make a glass tank, probably 45cm 45cm square base, and 60-80cm tall, with holes for connecting to other tanks (later) and a part-mesh/part-glass lid. I figured a tall tank was better for above-ground-nesting ants? I'd be interested in any opinions on this. I need to read more about temperature and humidity control, though.

Polycharis are not only Aboreal (non-ground dwelling) they will happily live on the ground aswell, u wuld need to make sure the ground was totaly unsuitable for them if you want them nest in a 'tree'

[paulhdear]

Hmm - I'm learning fast! So, they prefer a ground-based nest? What would constitute "unsuitable" ground, and how happy (or unhappy) would they be if they're made to live a life in the branches?

[miszt]

The way i plan to force them into a tree in my new nest, is by using water, so that the bas of the tree will be submerged, for the first week or so, untill they have moved in....of course you have to be careful that the tree doesnt rot, and that it will stand up

[paulhdear]

Sounds like a good plan - I may consider something similar. Would you recommend a live branch, or dead wood? And presumably they need leaves of the right sort in order to "weave" a nest in the branches? (I hope my ant books arrive soon - I can see I have lots to learn!)

[miszt]

nah Polycharis dont weave leaves in the same that Oecophylla do, they have a much more basic form of weaving, although yes they will need a good 'base' to start of with, dry grass/hay/leaves etc to collect and weave into the nest

[paulhdear]

OK - so a feasible set up would include some planting for decor, a stout dry branchy-looking branch, and dry material from which to build a nest? I like the idea of using water to force them to tree-nest initially - draining the water after a few days sounds like it would be less disruptive than alternative methods. Are there any good galleries showing nicely-established Polyrhachus formicariums?

[SteveUK28]

Just do a gallery n forum search paul you should find some nice examples.

[paulhdear]

Regarding my Camponotus ligniperda, they've been moved gradually over the last few days to a warmer temperature (about 16°C night, 18-20°C day). No sign of any ants yet. Any advice on what to do or not to do? What is the optimal food to offer at this time? Any easy way to tell if I'm just watching an ant cemetary?

[JimmyVe]

Don't worry yet, they need a few days/weeks to wake up completely. Are they still in a tube ? (can you see them)

[paulhdear]

No, they're not in the tube. They came out of the tube before hibernation, but there were only about 10 workers and one queen. They were a little bit active before hibernation. I can't see them, but probably they are hiding underneath something or in the earth?

[JimmyVe]

Okay, well keep raising the temperature until 25°c and wait a few days/weeks if there is no movement next month than you could have troubles. But the colony is still small so it is possible they only come out at night.

[paulhdear]

OK - thanks, I'll keep my eyes open and my fingers crossed!

[ford-ute]

Hi i know how you feel paulhdear

Miszt do you keep Oecophylla I have seen them and their nests in the wild they are very cool (the native aboriginies in australia eat the they say that thier abdomin tastes like lemon)

[paulhdear]

Well, I guess coincidences can be pretty coincidental. Just this evening (a couple of days after my post), I saw an ant wandering around. Even better, it was the same type of ant I started with, which is a good sign. So, I'm guessing that if there's a worker alive, the queen is probably OK too?

I've made sure they've got honey water and also normal water and good humidity. I figure I'll give them something to chew on as soon as I see a few more.

[JimmyVe]

Yes don't stop feeding them, if you already saw one worker it probably means they are doing fine. So keep giving them food and in a few weeks/months you will see more and more workers coming to the food.