Aphaenogaster occidentalis
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Simple description.
Queen[edit]
- Nuptial Flight Time
: Spring and Fall. Queens can be observed to fly in April and May, as well as October.
- Founding Type
:
- *gynous
: Polygynous
- Brood Boostable
: Yes
- Hibernation
: Depends on climate. Some colonies do not have to hibernate in warmer areas.
- Feeding Requirements
: These ants eat mostly protein and are less open to sugary foods. They are open to small bits of fruit once in a while.
- Nanitics Appear After
:1.5-2 months
- Founding Stage Notes: Fully claustral
Food[edit]
Every ant, even from same species may be temperamental to certain foods. Trial and error is best way to figure out she will eat. Compiled below is a list of likes and dislikes for this particular species.
Likes[edit]
- Crickets
- Meal worms
- Fruit flies
- Apple
- Nectarine
- Egg yolk
- Cake
- Small Flies
Dislikes[edit]
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Sunburst Ant Nectar
Colony[edit]
- Difficulty
: Beginner
- Typical Colony Size
: 750+ workers
- Polymorphic
: Yes
- Ant Length
:
- Nanitics: 2mm
- Minors/Smaller Workers: 3-4mm
- Larger workers/Majors: up to 6mm
- Temperament
:
- Suggested Feeding Schedule
: Daily or ever other day
- Hazards
:
- Colony Growth Rate
: medium
- Egg To Worker
:
- Circadian Activity
: Diurnal
- Recommended Temperature
: Room Temperature
- Recommended Humidity
:
- Heating Pad Required
: No
- Can Climb Smooth Surfaces
: Yes
- When To Expand
: Can be kept in 1-2
- When Do Soldiers and Reproductives Appear
:
- Invasive/Pest
:
- Farmers
:
- Native Location
:
- Natural Habitat
:
- Preferred Nesting Medium
:
- Scientific Information: antwiki.org
Notes[edit]
- Great starter colony
- Low maintenance
Images[edit]