ANTSTORE World of Ants

[Moiser]

Hey there,
I've been reading through the forum for a couple of weeks, I've always had an interest in keeping ants, I've just never known you could purchase queen ants through the internet.

I've had at look at some of the British species but I'm torn between a few of them. I was hoping you guys could maybe give me a nod in the right direction. I'm thinking of a 30x20x2 Farm connected to a 30x20x20 Basin to start with, with a view to upgrading to a bigger setup when needed. I'm in no rush as I plan to buy all the equipment and set it up before I purchase any ants.

I was thinking of Lasius Niger, Lasius Flavus, Myrmica rubra or Formica Rufibarbis. Lasius Niger Because their relatively easy to care for and seem the be the species to start with. Lasius Flavus because of their impressive nest building abilities. Myrmica rubra Because these are the ants I grew up collecting and getting stung by in my back garden. Formica Rufibarbis because they sound and look very interesting and are on something called the Red List in Britain. I've done some research on them all but I'm unsure which to go for, obviously I don't want to kill them through lack of experience so I was wondering what you guys thought?

Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for your advice. You guys seem like a very friendly bunch.

Regards,
Dave

[JimmyVe]

Hello Moiser and welcome.

Nice to see you have done some homework.
I would go for the Lasius niger because they grow pretty fast, you can always keep more than one colony if you have a bit of experience.

[SteveUK28]

Hiya Dave and Welcome, As Jimmy says i think i would also recommend Lasius niger, but i would also say maybe Lasius flavus. Both are very easy ants to start with. From experience tho niger would be a better choice as they do grow quicker and are more aggresive.

[Moiser]

Lasius Niger it is then, I might even wait for the mating flights as I'm in no rush.

I was also wondering if a 8/6mm tubing could be used to moisten the farm if plugged with a permeable bung, I've read that some people use drinking straws?

Dave

[JimmyVe]

No rush, that is a good start you need much of patient with ants. hehe.

Yes i think you can use a 8/6 tube to moist the farm if you use it correctly.

[Moiser]

Heh, I'll keep that in mind. I've read some funny stories about Lasius Niger not wanting to move on from their test tube nest.

Thanks again for your advice, I'll keep you posted with how I get on.

[JimmyVe]

In deed, they are hard movers.