ANTSTORE World of Ants

[w3as3l]

Hi.
I'm starting off my first colony of Camponotus ligniperdus, i did a lot of research into what type of ant I should start off with. I wanted something with a bigger range of castes than Lasius niger so my first intentions where Messor barbarus i phoned up the Ant store for some advise I spoke to a very nice person who advised me to use Camponotus ligniperdus.
Now only being a beginner I am still not sure what ants to use but I am happy to go with Camponotus ligniperdus.

I am using a Ytong block in side a large class tank of 50cm long x 25cm wide and 30cm tall the recommended size for glass tank is 60x30x30 cm
the Ytong block is 30x20x5 cm are these sizes Ok for Camponotus ligniperdus?

I have a couple of heaters which I can use to heat part of the Ytong block

What I really want to know is Camponotus ligniperdus suited to what I have available if not is there any other type of ant that has a good range of castes that I could use

and what is the best way to heat it and keep moisture in a Ytong block ? and how do I get good ventilation in to the nest?

[marklant]

Hi,

I also started with my first C. ligniperda colony a few days ago. WIth regards to the habitus and aggressiveness this genus should be very interesting although very slow growing. I´ve received a queen with only one larvae and I think it would take several weeks until the first workers appear. However, due to recommendations in this forum this genus is very proper for the beginning. You can also buy larger colonies at the store, this would make the start a little bit easier I assume.

Here is the link to my record (sorry it´s in german but you can see some pictures if you don´t understand - if you have questions just ask):
http://www.antstore.net/viewtopic.php?f=142&t=15667

I have a tank a little bit smaller than yours and added a concrete nest at one side with a small watertank that moistures the nest. An Ytong nest will be surely ok, too. The Arena is just filled with sand and brickearth at the moment but this will also change soon.

Perhaps we can stay in touch to compare our achievements

Have fun

Marklant

[SteveUK28]

Hello to you both...

I had a colony of C. ligniperdus myself and I also know a few others who have had them. Myself and some others had lots of trouble with them, I started out with a lone queen and I believe at the best my colony had around 12 workers.. this was after a good 2 year period. I also know my friend who is also very experienced at keeping ants had problems with them too. They may very well be classed as an easy spec to care for but in my opinion as a first time they are a very much a no go.

Starting out you want to be able to see the ants moving about, and foraging perhaps even hunting. Myself i would go for an aggressive spec like Myrimica rubra which would grow pretty fast and are darn easy to look after as long as they have a regular supply of insects and some honey they thrive. Also they do like Ytong so would be suited to your setups.

If you do decided to go ahead like Marklant has done then I wish you the best of luck... And please just be very patient.

I myself lost my colony... the third year they died in hibernation

Anyways to Antstore