Deleted
Hibernating
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2015 17:40:16 GMT
I'm curious being new to this hobby (I don't even have any ants yet except some in my garden lol!) as to why common black ants are so popular to keep, especially when there seems to be more interesting and larger species available.
I'd love to hear why members love them so much in their own words! Convince me to keep them too  |
|
|
|
Post by Jenny on Mar 30, 2015 17:52:31 GMT
It is because they are the native ant and very robust at surviving. For the beginners it is a must have species, as it almost guarantees success.
The more exotic species beginners are wary of as some require specific living conditions. With all species, what one person may find easy to keep another will not. It depends on the condition of the ants, size of colony, what they live in and some species just don't take to captivity.
|
|
Deleted
Hibernating
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2015 17:59:33 GMT
I've never had great success with Lasius niger, even now and appear to have better results with more 'exotic' species. Just the way it goes! However I always recommend starting with beginner species! They seem to be most popular as they are easy to care for, cheap, common to find, and are very interesting and active.
|
|
|
|
Post by vigiluk on Mar 31, 2015 9:45:20 GMT
I started a few years back with Lasius Niger (2010) and this colony still thrives today. They opened a new world for me and extended my interest with the hobby. As they're easy to keep, feed and maintain themselves really well if given the right environment (feed & observe them leave them to it).
I branched away from Lasius Niger as my hobby interests grew but still to this day hold 4 growing older colonies and 10 starting colonies from 2014 nuptials.
|
|
Stapleburger
Callow Ant 
Posts: 53 
Country: England
Pets: Chickens, Quails and Ants
Likes: 15
|
Post by Stapleburger on Mar 31, 2015 13:31:52 GMT
I suppose accessibility is another reason why people go for Lasius niger - at the right time of year the queens are free and easy to get, and that means people may have a go with them.
|
|
Deleted
Hibernating
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 31, 2015 16:58:58 GMT
Lasius Niger were the ants I started watching when I was a little kid. They were everywhere in my garden. They were the first ants I ever kept and the ones with which I gave had most success.
I also like them because they are quick to expand, build fairly large tunnels and chambers in their nests, and they are very forgiving ants. They also can create huge colonies if the conditions are right.
They are also very naughty >.<
|
|
Deleted
Hibernating
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 31, 2015 17:53:47 GMT
cheeky,funny,naughty and prone to the odd dumb moment is why I keep them.They make me smile but ask for almost nothing in return..One of my workers still takes an egg for a walk in the out world?  |
|
Deleted
Hibernating
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 31, 2015 19:15:21 GMT
|
|
Deleted
Hibernating
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2015 6:17:18 GMT
Yeah I've already read it mate and I found it very helpful and informative. Nice one |
|
|
|
Post by annie on Apr 7, 2015 21:25:18 GMT
Just as everyone has said, they are easy. I have had my little colony for just over two years now, it`s still very small (under 100 workers) but is active and busy! It's important not to hassle your colony too much, just provide food, moisture, ventilation and privacy in the nest and they will be happy! Welcome to the forum.
|
|
|
|
Post by TenebrousNova on Apr 7, 2015 21:29:32 GMT
I like Lasius niger for the following reasons:
1. They are easy to obtain.
2. They aren't fussy and eat just about anything you offer them.
3. They are hardy and shouldn't die unless you have really bad luck.
4. The queens are easily distinguished from the workers and are prolific egg layers.
5. Brood doesn't take long to reach the worker stage.
6. I love how active they get when their numbers grow! I couldn't get the lid off my L.niger colony without fifty workers swarming up the sides and trying to make a break for it.
|
|
