ANTSTORE World of Ants

[Kalkoman]

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of buying a Pheidole pallidula colony and a 30*20 glass appartment. Do you think this would suite the species?

What type of sand do you think I should buy? I'm thinking about white sand here from Antstore, but I'm not sure.

Do the Pallidulas hibernate, and if so, for how long?

Do the colonies grow fast?

Do you think I will be able to keep them inside the formicarium with my setup?

Any other advice or things I should now?

Many questions, but thanks in advance

Linus

[mpir]

Whatever the formicarium just make sure that it is expandable. Meaning that other arenas and nests can be attached latter on.
In my experience the Pheidole pallidula is the fastest growing colony. Usually when a queen starts a colny she raises a 1-10 workers on her own (depending on species). My PP queen managed to raise about 20 ants on her own.
I would not recomend this ants if you haven´t kept ants before. They are quite small and a master of escape. They will move to your kitchen and then you have a big problem.

[JimmyVe]

In deed, they grow fast and the glass apartment is rather small, it is good for them for the first year but you should use something you can expand. The sand you can choice, as long as you do not use sand from outside, that could have bacteria in it.
Yes they do hibernate, about 2-4 months. Make sure they can not escape, like mpir said, they are masters in escaping.

[Kalkoman]

Okey thanks for the replies. I have ordered paraffin oil and seal adhesive tape, do you think it will keep them inside or do I need something more?

The formicarium is from Antstore, so I have connection-possibilities with other tanks and such when they grow .

Is their ideal temperature 25-30 Celsius?

Do the need any seeds or anything?

Byt the way I have ordered the ants since yesterday, so I hope they will arrive before the weekend!

[mpir]

Always use more than just one escape preventor. I use PTFE and a lid that seals well. PTFE must be applied corectly or ants will go over it.

25 - 30 °C is a good temperature for them. In winter months however do bring it down to about 15°C and leave it like this for 3 months. Winter rest will do good for your colony.

They don´t need seeds. They need sweet/honey water and proteins. Lots of proteins will make colony grow very fast.

Good luck with your new colony

[JimmyVe]

I also use PTFE and a lid just to make sure.

I give them lots of different food, they don't need seeds (like mpir said) but they like them, i also give them lot of insects and honey.