ANTSTORE World of Ants

[smj115]

Hi

I am an ant researcher and as such have a lot of experience keeping common species such as Lasius niger,
Lasius flavus amd some others such as Monomorium pharaonis and Pheidole pallidula. I now plan to keep
a couple of exotic species and here I hoped to get some advice from yourselves.

I have just brought 2 acryl cylinders from Antstore in the 10cm x 10cm size but have since realised that the
entrance tubes are actually quite small (8mm inner diameter). This concerns me as I dont know if these will
be large enough for the majors and especially for the ants to carry leaves through. In addition I planned to
link these 2 cylinders to a larger container which I planned to fill with compost/soil. I would really appreciate
any advice on the entrance size issue and whether the design has flaws, could be made better etc.

Also I plan to keep Pachycondyla apicalis in the near future too. Can anyone advise me on what type of nest setup
I should use to keep these. I was hoping to link the nest into a foraging arena but dont know what sort of nest
design people use to keep this species.

Many thanks in advance

Sam Jones

[jbc]

So far its sound good. Yeah the entrances- totally to small. Make at least 32mm inner or bigger better. And connect a smaller basin for garbage. They like rose leaves a lot. I am no expert at this species but I know what I'm saying.

Here is Adan James's Atta project read it there is much info. (Read it till the end and then do something) viewtopic.php?f=205&t=15777

For those Pachycondyla apicalis I would recommend a soil nest but its humid in there natural habitat so there could be problems with moisture. Other option- Y-tong. As you can see they are very long, low to ground ants so they wont like deep, large rooms. Make 5 cm deep tunnels and rooms and with a good moisturizing system.

I am always open for questions.

[smj115]

Hi jbc

Thanks a lot for your advice and the link, it is much appreciated. I now have an idea of what I need
to do.

Sam

[jbc]

It is nice to help you. Keep us updated.

[smj115]

Will do. thanks.