ANTSTORE World of Ants

[Andrew]

What is a good size for the stand up ant farm?

[JimmyVe]

Depends on the species you are going to put into it ? Some ants are small, some big, some colonies only go up to 200 workers some to 1.000.000 (or more).
Which are you going to put in ?

[Andrew]

Im planning to get a species of Lasius spec. or Crematogaster species.

[JimmyVe]

Well these are rather small ants but the colonies will get big. You could start with some tubes, i always put my new colonies in tubes until they have enough workers to move to a bigger farm.
When the colony reaches about 100 workers i put them in a small y-tong farm. (30*25cm) And when they out grow that i put them in a bigger y-tong. (60*25)

[Andrew]

Would a cork nest work?

[JimmyVe]

Yes it could work. Still you need to expand it or let them move to a bigger farm when needed.

[Andrew]

alright, ill look into building one, how big would one need to be?

[JimmyVe]

For a small colony (+-100 workers) you could use a y-tong farm from 30*25.

[Andrew]

how big for a fully mature colony of lasius?

[SteveUK28]

well that would take years and years to get.. so i really wouldnt worry about a "fully" mature colony.

[JimmyVe]

It could take up a few years yes. I'm not sure how big it needs to be for a full grown colony, i always move them to a bigger one when the old one is getting to small.

[Andrew]

alright, ill just add to the environment. when do Lasius send out nupitials?

[SteveUK28]

in the summer.. June to August.. depending on temp and conditions.

[Andrew]

ok, thankx, it might be different for me, since i live farther south. what is the best way to carve out a cork nest?