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Post by scrambles18 on Mar 6, 2012 22:11:27 GMT
I'm not to sure where to put everything, so here is a quick run down. First I wanted to make a Paludarium, then I decided for a Vivarium. For all this I was going to make my own tank but decided against it due to the large amount of Plexiglass I would need. Then I started looking into ants and got really interested and I began looking into plaster nests. The first thread I saw had no real details of what they used. Just a bit ago I found a few threads here that gave me actual blueprints, of which I intend to use.
I saw a thread regarding Plaster of Paris, which is what I intend to use, although I can't seem to find any details regarding the ant species I want.
(Side note: I live in the United States and it's against federal regulation to ship reproducing insects across state lines, so I'm basically stuck with the Red Harvester Ant. At least from what I've gathered.)
I had noticed that, according to a thread here, Plaster of Paris drys out and I'm not to sure how to deal with any humidity issues I may have. Not to mention I don't know how to find out which one is native nor how to find out proper care instructions for them.
I've poked about here a bit looking for some but it seems most of you are else where, Brazil and the UK mostly. I haven't seen any mention of P. Barbatus yet.
And this all sprung up about a week or two ago. So I've been kinda rushing into the research. So any and everything you guys know about them, or where I can get them, will be a huge help to me.
~Dylan
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Post by Wood~Ant on Mar 6, 2012 23:05:20 GMT
Hi Dylan and welcome to Ant Hill World.  Check out page 4 of the Ant Knowledge board, as there you will find a thread on raising a colony from newly mated Pogonomyrmex queens. I will try and help more tomorrow as I'm just off to bed now, as it is 11.05pm here in England. |
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Post by batspiderfish on Mar 7, 2012 1:17:18 GMT
Keeping most ants doesn't require a high degree of precision. Ants are very resourceful, and will often make the most of whatever you give them. Just so long as they have a relatively moist place to live and availability of sugar (usually) and protein foods, most species will thrive.
For care information, I find that genera or sub-genera are pretty consistent; Lasius niger has a lot in common with Lasius neoniger in North America. Additionally, there are many species in Europe that are so similar to ants in the U.S. that they have the same name (I.e. Lasius umbratus, Lasius alienus, Lasius flavus, Formica fusca, Tetramorium caespitum, etc.)
When in doubt, look it up!
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Post by Wood~Ant on Mar 7, 2012 8:05:01 GMT
Now, where was I with this?  Ah yes, I have kept Pogo's here in England for a short time, though I am more experienced at keeping the European Harvester Ants such as Messor barbarus and Messor structor. P. barbatus are one of my favourites on the American Harvesters, but this link may help a bit. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PogonomyrmexOne of our UK members ( MattG) was very successful with his colony, so I will dig around the Ant Hill and see if we have anymore information?  |
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Post by Zarbi on Mar 7, 2012 8:43:38 GMT
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Post by scrambles18 on Mar 7, 2012 17:16:37 GMT
Ah, thank you guys. Just opened the links and am going to read through them. I am hopefully going to get my plaster colony set up soon today. (Using playdoh similar to you, I believe, wood-ant)
Just read through both. Both provided a few good insights about them.
If I were to have a test tube of water connected by a small air hose from a fish tank, would that provide enough water without risking the integrity of the plaster of paris?
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Post by Jenny on Mar 7, 2012 17:45:12 GMT
Yes it should be sufficient, plaster of paris needs to be slightly damp in places but not everywhere. Some members have used a wick type method too. Welcome Dylan to the forum |
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Post by batspiderfish on Mar 7, 2012 17:54:17 GMT
Play-Doh is literally made out of food and might promote some sort of mold in your plaster. Whether or not the mold is harmful, it's usually best to just use an earthen clay.
Also, I'm pretty sure the point in using plaster is that it is water-absorbent. It's not going to (or shouldn't) melt into nothing unless you very seriously over-water it (throw it into a pond.)
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Post by Jenny on Mar 7, 2012 18:08:40 GMT
Play-Doh is literally made out of food and might promote some sort of mold in your plaster. Whether or not the mold is harmful, it's usually best to just use an earthen clay. Also, I'm pretty sure the point in using plaster is that it is water-absorbent. It's not going to (or shouldn't) melt into nothing unless you very seriously over-water it (throw it into a pond.) The Play Doh/ Plastercene, is only used as a caste, the plaster is poured around it. The Doh/Plastercene is removed once the plaster is set  This idea was done by Luke Goddard, a member of way back on the forum. Go down the page on Wood's site for pics. www.anthillwood.co.uk/formicariums1.htm |
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Post by batspiderfish on Mar 7, 2012 19:52:27 GMT
It's a belief around the American forum that proteins in the oils and flours within Play-Doh will remain with the plaster after they clay is removed, and this can cause some sort of mold.
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Post by scrambles18 on Mar 7, 2012 21:46:47 GMT
If there is mold, how would I go about removing it?
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