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Post by philip369 on Feb 29, 2012 23:43:27 GMT
Hiya guys
I have a question has anyone every had any Atta ant species in particular Atta Cephalotes as they look like a really nice species to collect (maybe in a year or so).
Are they a species I could collect or would it be to much for me?
And what are they like?
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Post by batspiderfish on Mar 1, 2012 0:35:34 GMT
I've heard that they are very difficult ants to keep. According to Alex Wild, Atta is often only available as a result of smuggling.  I'm sure some available species (probably the less expensive ones) must be obtained from areas where they have been legally exported. I personally think Atta are overrated. Edward Owen Wilson gave them quite a bit of praise, but I don't believe flamboyancy equals complexity. |
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Post by Wood~Ant on Mar 1, 2012 8:09:53 GMT
Hiya guys I have a question has anyone every had any Atta ant species in particular Atta Cephalotes as they look like a really nice species to collect (maybe in a year or so). Are they a species I could collect or would it be to much for me? And what are they like? When it comes to keeping ants, you have to think of yourself as being a child learning to walk. You don't run before you can walk, and keeping such exotic ant species as Atta requires a lot of experience and money, as although the ants themselves are relatively easy to look after, their fungus garden needs high humidity and a lot of warmth. If it dies from having bad conditions, then so do the ants, as each is totally dependant on the other. I would not advise keeping Atta unless you know what you're doing, as there are plenty of interesting ant species which are much easier to keep, and cheaper too.  |
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Post by philip369 on Mar 1, 2012 9:55:44 GMT
Thank you both for the information I think I will leave them alone for now and in a couple of years they maybe an option  |
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mtrein
Nurse Ant 
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
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Post by mtrein on Mar 3, 2012 21:57:36 GMT
Hi
I think it is as Jenant said: Atta (and Acromyrmex) are expensive because in most (if not all) countries in North/Central/South America it is illegal to ship ants.
I keep leaf cutter ants and what I can say about them is that they are very fun to watch and experiment with. However, they are difficult to start as their fungus is not easy to get going, and they need a lot of space as they expand really quickly. They also need a certain degree of warmth and humidity, and are very sensitive to abrupt atmosphere changes. They are certainly not for beginners.
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