Western Thatching Ants (F. obscuripes)
Formica obscuripes is a large, polymorphic, bicolored, polygynous, mound building species of Formica from western and northern North America. This species needs more maintenance than other similar species, but does not need any special care. If you get these ants, it is strongly recommended that you have a nest prepared for them.
STATES AVAILABLE TO BUY FORMICA OBSCURIPES: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Species Info
General: Formica obscuripes workers range from small to large, and bicolored to unicolored. In the wild, they make large mounds with thatched tops, and can have many queens in the nest. This species requires a moist nest and lots of liquid sugars, in addition to a decent amount of protein. It is recommended to have an outworld and/or nest ready when you get these, since they grow quickly.
Diet: Formica obscuripes is very generalist. They will eat just about any sugar or protein. However, make sure to emphasize sugars. The workers are very high maintenance, and cannot go very long without food. They need large amounts of protein as their larvae grow, and occasional protein even when they don't have larvae is suggested.
Temperature: These colonies benefit from a heat source. The best temperature for growth is probably around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is strongly recommended to have a gradient that includes a colder part of the nest.
Diapause: This species requires a diapause period, which should last 3-4 months ideally. During this time, the ants need to be cooled down to a low temperature, with around 40 degrees fahrenheit being ideal. You can achieve diapause by placing the ants in a controlled cooling unit, such as a wine cooler, mini fridge, or regular fridge if temperatures are safe. If you cannot use any of these, a non-heated room which stays above freezing could work. It is possible this species may need occasional sugar feedings in hibernation.
Growth: Brood development from egg-worker takes between 7-9 weeks, usually around 7-8 total. Their larvae stage is the fastest, so you need to make sure to feed them lots of protein during that window. The colonies can grow into the tens of thousands in the wild, but it is likely smaller in captivity with less queens.
This species requires a diapause period, which should last 3-4 months ideally. During this time, the ants need to be cooled down to a low temperature, with around 40 degrees fahrenheit being ideal. You can achieve diapause by placing the ants in a controlled cooling unit, such as a wine cooler, mini fridge, or regular fridge if temperatures are safe. If you cannot use any of these, a non-heated room which stays above freezing could work.
Queen size: 7-10mm
Worker size: 4-8mm
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SHIPPING INFO
Shipping happens from Monday-Wednesday. During the winter, shipping may cost more due to the need of a heat pack.