Ants Kalytta - Allhttp://ak/feeds/articles-all.en.xml2009-06-05T07:04:55+02:00All available articles in shop.Ants Kalyttagerhard@ants-kalytta.comhttp://www.ants-kalytta.comBenjamin Kalytta`s AtomFeedClasshttp://ak/images/icon.pnghttp://ak/images/logo.pngAcromyrmex spec. (Paraguay)http://ak/Acromyrmex_spec_(Paraguay).en.html2009-02-24T01:56:06+01:002008-10-31T18:22:32+01:00<ul> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> South-America</li> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfamily <strong>Myrmicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Attini</strong></li> <li><strong>Characteristics:</strong> very intensive caste</li> <li><strong>Appearance:</strong> Workers are at the back with thorns</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: brown</li> <li><strong>Next building:</strong> Usually soil nests with fungus chamber</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> fungi which the ants cultivate of bramble-, raspberry-, oaks- or roseleaves</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 20 - 26°C</li> <li><strong>Soil conditions:</strong> loam, humus soil but can also be kept without any substrate</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> None</li> <li><strong>Difficulty:</strong> advancer</li></ul>Aphaenogaster spec. (oriental)http://ak/Aphaenogaster_spec_(oriental).en.html2009-05-10T22:09:12+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Myrmicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: light brown, black abdomen</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Orient</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: 18 - 28 °C</li> <li><strong>Humidity</strong>: dry</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, also under stones</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy</li> <li><strong>Specifics</strong>: Haired ant with longish heads</li></ul>Camponotus herculeanushttp://ak/Camponotus_herculeanus.en.html2009-05-14T20:07:19+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Camponotus herculeanus is one of the biggest european ant species. Can be mostly found in highlands and they build theire nests in wood (coniferous wood)</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Formicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black with dark brown thorax</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Central Europe</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Build their nest in wood with greater underground areas</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: Similary to the forest or mountains with branches, roots, moos</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy</li> <li><strong>Specifics</strong>: Has Minor- and Major workers. Very fortified; could with one bite decapitate formica-ants. They attack humans only by nest disruption. Shows activity by day and night (diurnal and nocturnal). They build nests preferably in wood or under stones. A radiant heating should heat a stone or an angle of the formicarium in the daytime.</li></ul>Camponotus lateralishttp://ak/Camponotus_lateralis.en.html2009-04-27T22:56:30+02:002008-11-17T22:12:56+01:00<p>This is a small Camponotus species which can be found in Southern Europe in arid regions, mostly in soil under stones or in rotten wood. A very specific character of this species is that larger worker acts as "honeypot".</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Southern Europe</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: red brown with dark brown gaster</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>:</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Climate</strong>: Mediteranian (dry)</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Often soil nests under stones, but also rotten wood</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Difficulty</strong>: easy</li></ul><p> </p>Camponotus ligniperdahttp://ak/Camponotus_ligniperda.en.html2009-05-27T03:12:20+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Camponotus ligniperda is one of the biggest european ant species. Prefers sunny and dry slopes and can be found in stony ground as well as in rotten wood. Can be found in low-level as well as in mountains.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Formicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black with light red-brown abdomen</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Central Europe</li> <li><strong>Characteristics</strong>: Major- and Minor workers</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: 20 - 25 °C</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Build their nest under wood with greater underground areas; also only soil nests</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: Similary to the forest or mountains with branches, roots, moos</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy</li> <li><strong>Specifics</strong>: Has Minor- and Major workers. Very fortified; could with one bite decapitate formica-ants. They attack humans only by nest disruption. Shows activity by day and night (diurnal and nocturnal). They build nests preferably in wood or under stones. A radiant heating should heat a stone or an angle of the formicarium in the daytime.</li></ul>Camponotus maculatushttp://ak/Camponotus_maculatus.en.html2009-05-15T07:53:58+02:002008-09-28T00:06:28+02:00<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br /></span></p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Central Africa</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: small ants are yellow till brown, majors are marmorate</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Climate</strong>: tropical (moist)</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, between stones</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: easy</li> <li><strong>Specifics</strong>: Builds "half" calderas (one sided)</li></ul>Camponotus spec.http://ak/Camponotus_spec.en.html2009-05-26T23:22:04+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>This is a very beautiful colored Campnotus species from South American rain forest.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: orange-brown</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: South America</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: 24 - 28 °C (tropical)</li> <li><strong>Size:</strong> Queen: 12 mm</li> <li><strong>Humidity</strong>: Rain forest</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: This species nests in holes of trees and rotten tree branches and soil nests</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: Advanced level</li> <li><strong>Specifics</strong>: This species don't need much space and can be kept with other species in one bassin because it isn't an aggressive species.</li></ul>Camponotus nigricepshttp://ak/Camponotus_nigriceps.en.html2009-05-08T00:24:41+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Camponotus nigriceps which is also known as "sugar ant" is a easy to keep Camponotus species from Australia.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Australia</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black with red or yellow leggs and brown abdomen</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: Queen (with yellow leggs) about 19 - 22 mm, Queen (with red leggs) about 18 - 19 mm</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No (see climate)</li> <li><strong>Climate</strong>: subtropics (moist)</li> <li><strong>Humidity</strong>: Rain forest</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: This species nests in loamy ground</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: easy</li></ul>Camponotus substitutushttp://ak/Camponotus_substitutus.en.html2009-05-10T22:11:10+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Aggressive Camponotus species from South America. Uses it's chemical weapon (formic acid) fast.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Origin:</strong> Central to South America</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> Nein</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 22 - 28 °C</li> <li><strong>Nest building:</strong> rotten wood and soil, suitable for ytong nests</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Level:</strong> easy</li></ul>Camponotus spec. (black-yellow)http://ak/Camponotus_spec_(black-yellow).html2009-05-11T00:35:50+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>This is a very beautiful colored and easy to keep Campnotus species from South American rain forest.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Characteristics</strong>: Minor- and Major workers</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black-yellow</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: 6 - 11 mm, <strong>Queen</strong>: 14 - 16 mm</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: South America</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: 24 - 28 °C (tropical)</li> <li><strong>Humidity</strong>: Rain forest</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: This species nests in holes of trees and epiphytes, suitable for ytong nests</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: easy</li></ul>Camponotus spec.http://ak/Camponotus_spec.en.casp0007.html2008-10-08T00:01:58+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br /></span><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: South Asia<br /> </li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: red with black abdomen<br /> </li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: Queen about 11 - 13 mm<br /> </li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No (see climate)<br /> </li> <li><strong>Climate</strong>: tropical<br /> </li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, half shaded places between grass and bushes<br /> </li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: easy</li> <li><strong>Specifics</strong>: Builds "half" calderas (one sided)</li></ul>Camponotus spec.http://ak/Camponotus_spec.en.casp0009.html2009-04-25T13:22:38+02:002008-05-05T21:45:40+02:00<ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Southern Asia</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Climate</strong>: Tropical</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: easy</li></ul>Clay granulatehttp://ak/Clay_granulate.html2008-09-10T23:21:12+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<ul> <li><strong>Material</strong>: Clay</li> <li><strong>Granulation</strong>: 2 - 5 mm</li></ul><p class="strong">Usage</p><p>Useful as most bottom layer in nest area (ca. 2-3 cm) as water reservoir.</p>Crematogaster scutellarishttp://ak/Crematogaster_scutellaris.en.html2009-03-29T01:46:44+01:002008-06-17T00:24:03+02:00<p>This is a beautiful colored red-black colored ants species of Southern Europe. This species often forage on long street to their feeding lots. On excitement they raises the gaster upwards similar to a scorpion to defend their attackers with their defense secretion.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Myrmicinae</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Southern Europe</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: shiny black with red head</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: Queen 7 -9 mm</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Nests in death wood of trees.</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honeywater, insects</li> <li><strong>Soil condition</strong>: any, wood nests</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: easy</li></ul>Die Ameisen Mittel- und Nordeuropashttp://ak/Die_Ameisen_Mittel-_und_Nordeuropas.en.html2009-05-14T23:39:54+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<ul> <li><span new="" style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Author</strong>: Bernhard Seifert</span></li> <li><strong>Year of publication</strong>: 2007</li> <li><strong>Format</strong>: Din A5 Hardcover </li> <li><strong>Pages</strong>: 368, 227 Farbfotos, 303 sw-Zeichnungen, </li> <li><span new="" style="font-size: 10pt;"><span new="" style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Publisher</strong>: Lutra </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black;">Verlags- und Vertriebsgesellschaft</span></span></li> <li><span new="" style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black;"><strong>Language</strong>: German<br /> </span></span></li></ul>Diacamma spec.http://ak/Diacamma_spec.en.html2009-05-15T20:55:16+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfamily <strong>Ponerinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Ponerini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> South-East Asia</li> <li><strong>Color:</strong> Black with silveriness</li> <li><strong>Size:</strong> 10 - 12 mm</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> No</li> <li><strong>Nest building:</strong> Soil nests (craternests), in the mountains under stones</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Honeywater, insects, grains</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 22 - 28 °C</li> <li><strong>Soil Condition:</strong> Sand, loam, mould</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> Small tropical plants</li> <li><strong>Specifics:</strong> Tandem run: with nest move or to big prey a guide's animal leads another ant in the tandem run! Coursing alone, or in small groups, preys will be stabbed first and then transported to the nest.</li></ul><p><em>The Queen can't be distinguished from worker with naked eye. These colonies however were specially tested and contain queens.</em></p>Formicariums base lighthttp://ak/Formicariums_base_light.html2008-01-28T13:46:51+01:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00This is a sun light reflector spotlight which can be used as base light for your tropical and native ants. It is a full 4-color light spectrum lamp with parts of UV-A and UV-B.<br /><ul> <li><font size="2"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Socket</strong>: E 27 (Standard)</span></font></li> <li><font size="2"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Color temperature</strong>: 2683 Kelvin</span></font></li></ul>Formica (Serviformica) fuscahttp://ak/Formica_(Serviformica)_fusca.en.html2009-05-27T13:52:15+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Common "helping ant" (sclaves) for the predation ants e.g. Raptiformica.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> Europe</li> <li><strong>Characteristics:</strong> Monomorph, greater colonies polygyn</li> <li><strong>Appearence of the queen:</strong> Colour: glossy black; a little bit smaller than Formica rufa</li> <li><strong>Appearence of the workers:</strong> Colour: glossy black; a little bit smaller than Formica rufa</li> <li><strong>Nest-building:</strong> Under rotten wood, under stones and in soil</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> Yes</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Honeywater, insects</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Room temperature, very cold resistance</li> <li><strong>Soil conditions:</strong> Similar to the forest biotopes, brieght</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> Moos (optional)</li> <li><strong>Level:</strong> easy</li></ul>Fungus of Acromyrmexhttp://ak/Fungus_of_Acromyrmex.html2009-05-19T16:52:04+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>We provide fungus of Acromyrmex for free <strong>for our customers</strong>. This is intended for people who run into trouble with their colony bought by us.<br /><br />You can contact us by phone or email and we will send pieces of Acromyrmex fungus tablespoons sized (about 10-15 cm³) with brood and small workers (however only if enough available).<br />We do not send colonies of Acromyrmex until they grown to safe size of individuals. In case of keeping mistake which lead to loss of fungus (for example rottenness, mold or dry out) it may be possible to save the colony by adding pieces of foreign fungus of Acromyrmex.<br />Adding fungus too late or in case of unmated queens with doubtful origin it is of course senseless to add fungus.<br /><br />Acromyrmex queens with no or too little fungus (may be from certain cheap ant sellers) only have a little chance to establish a colony in terrarium.<br /><br /><strong>We will also sell fungus to others (customers who don't bought the colony here) on request!</strong></p>Lasius flavushttp://ak/Lasius_flavus.en.html2009-05-12T23:07:20+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Lasius flavus is a quince yellow ant species which is distributed throughout Europe. This species favor sunny places and can be found in the meadow between grass stems. It is a monogyne species.</p>Lasius nigerhttp://ak/Lasius_niger.en.html2009-02-09T22:21:27+01:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Lasius niger is a aggressive shinny black ant species which is widely distributed throughout Europe. This species favor sunny places like waysides or sunny hills. It is a monogyne species.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Formicinae</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: Workers: 3,5 - 5 mm, Queen: 8 - 9 mm</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: shinny black</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: throughout Europe</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: primary honey- or sugar water and later protein in the form of insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: 20° - 25° C</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, builds small soil based mounds between grass stems or under stones</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: Grass or similar (not suitable for the arena)</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: very easy</li></ul>Lamp-set with ceramic sockethttp://ak/Lamp-set_with_ceramic_socket.html2008-06-23T16:49:53+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00This set cointains everything for safety installation of lighting bulbs with E27 socket. Because lamps can produce strong heat it is recommened to use ceramic sockets.<br /><ul> <li>E 27 ceramic socket (Standard)<br /> </li> <li>thread extension<br /> </li> <li>1,5 m wire with switch<br /> </li></ul>Leptothorax acervorumhttp://ak/Leptothorax_acervorum.en.html2009-04-30T01:15:24+02:002008-04-24T23:45:41+02:00<p>Small red-brown colored Myrmicinae which can be kept in small terrariums. It is also a preferred species for a conjoint with other ants because it is not dominant and avoids any conflicts with other ants.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Myrmicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: bicolored (red-brown)</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>:</li> <li><strong>Nest size</strong>: Medium (80 - 200 ants)</li> <li><strong>Characteristics</strong>: monogyn and polygyn</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Southern- to Northern Europe</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: mostly small insects and also honey water</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: in rotten wood, small branches or under bark</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: any</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy</li></ul>Messor barbarushttp://ak/Messor_barbarus.en.html2009-05-07T16:34:05+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Messor barbarus is a Myrmicinae with minor- till major-worker with all passings. Great colonies carry on long "highways" their seeds into the nest. They storing the seed in different granaries and prepare in "chew-communities" the so-called ant bread especially for the colder season. They lay out an trash-accumulation.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Myrmicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black, sometimes red brown heads</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: <strong>Queen</strong> 14 - 16 mm</li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> Central Europe</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Mostly seeds from different rampant plants (also grass), but insects and honeywater too</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 25 - 30 °C</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> Yes (slight)</li> <li><strong>Air humidity:</strong> Dry climate</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, loam, pebbles</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy to keep</li></ul><p>Note: Young Queens from current season do not have any offspring (Queens with offspring and/or brood are from last year), they wil lay first eggs in spring.</p>Meranoplus bicolorhttp://ak/Meranoplus_bicolor.en.html2009-05-03T19:01:03+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfymily <strong>Myrmicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Meranoplini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> South-East Asia</li> <li><strong>Appearence of the queen:</strong> Approximately twice as large as the workers.</li> <li><strong>Appearance of the workers:</strong> Black head and abdomen, torax red-brown; size like Lasius niger, but haired</li> <li><strong>Nest building:</strong> Soil nests (caldera)</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Honeywater, insects, grains</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> No</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Warm: 25 - 30 °C</li> <li><strong>Soil condition:</strong> sand, loam</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> small potted plants</li> <li><strong>Specifics:</strong> The ants move very slowly, because they trusting in their cemical defence. Meranoplus- strange looking ant 'cause of her furry hear.</li></ul>Messor hesperiushttp://ak/Messor_hesperius.en.html2009-04-29T03:16:07+02:002008-07-01T13:50:35+02:00<p>Beautiful brown-black colored messor species which is also known as Messor minor hesperius.This species can be found in low lands and also in mountains and don't requires hibernation phase.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Myrmicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Pheidolini</strong></li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: <strong>Workers</strong>: brown with black abdomen, <strong>Queen</strong>: black</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: Worker: 4-11mm, Queen: 12-13mm</li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> Macronesia</li> <li><strong>Characteristics:</strong> polymorph</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, often under stones</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Mostly seeds from different rampant plants (also grass), but insects and honeywater too</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 22 - 30 °C (Mediterranean)</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> No</li> <li><strong>Air humidity:</strong> 50-65% (mountains)</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> nothing specific</li></ul>Messor spec.http://ak/Messor_spec.en.html2009-05-10T22:21:53+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Oriental Messor species which don't need hibernation. This species is also active in cool season in their range. It is significant easier to keep this species than for example Messor barbarus and they subsist on seeds, honey-/sugar water but also insects (similar to many Pheidole species). A typical identifiers is the caldera formed nest entry. They will often be found in sand or loamy sand. The shape of the body is slimmer than of Messor barbarus and the color of the workers is brown till black. The queen is colored black with brown legs.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Myrmicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Pheidolini</strong></li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: <strong>Workers</strong>: darkbrown, <strong>Queen</strong>: black with brown legs</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: <strong>Queen</strong> 11 - 13 mm</li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> Orient (Asia Minor)</li> <li><strong>Characteristics:</strong> polymorph</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, often in sand or under stones</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Mostly seeds from different rampant plants (also grass), but insects and honeywater too</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 22 - 30 °C</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> No</li> <li><strong>Air humidity:</strong> Dry climate</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: very easy to keep</li></ul>Myrmicaria arachnoideshttp://ak/Myrmicaria_arachnoides.en.html2009-03-22T22:05:44+01:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>These specie build carton nests, similar like wasps, they need high air humidity for the nestbuilding (often spray in the closed basin). They sit up on their long extremities by danger and deliver a little drop turpentinelike defence-secretion at their protruding sting. Slow walking animals. Never nestling in the soil; carton nests often under leafs, no house-ant.</p><ul> <li><strong>Origin:</strong> Southeast Asia (mountains about 800 m)</li> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfamily <strong>Myrmicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Myrmicariini</strong></li> <li><strong>Characteristics:</strong> Monomorph</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> No</li> <li><strong>Appearence of the queen:</strong> deep brown, humpy, with long extremities</li> <li><strong>Appearance of the workers:</strong> same as queen</li> <li><strong>Nest bulding:</strong> carton nests under leaves of trees</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> honeywater, insects</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 18 - 25°C</li> <li><strong>Air humidity:</strong> 60 - 80 % (tropical climate)</li> <li><strong>Soil conditions:</strong> only necessary for planting, nesting between leaves</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> ficus, Pachira aquatica</li> <li><strong>Level:</strong> Difficult</li> <li><strong>Specifics</strong>: It is advisable to use an Formicarium top covering to keep temperature and air humidity constant. Othwerwise they aren't able to build carton nests.<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><strong><br /> </strong></span></li></ul>Odontomachus spec. blackhttp://ak/Odontomachus_spec_black.html2009-05-10T22:39:33+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>These ants are able to catapult themselfs up to 40 cm far thru sudden lock up of their mandibles. This mandible lock up is the fastest known mechanism in the fauna. The upper jaw closes with a speed of 38 to 64 m/s. Thru locking up their jaws they are anesthetizing their prey to afterwards sting it to death. It is improper for a corporate tank/formicarium because they will attack any other species at first encounter.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Ponerinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Ponerini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: South Asia</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: 8 - 12 mm</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: 24 - 28 °C</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests and rotten wood</li> <li><strong>Keeping level</strong>: easy</li> <li><strong>Dangers</strong>: can sting</li></ul>Pheidole pallidulahttp://ak/Pheidole_pallidula.en.html2009-05-15T07:57:49+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>A Pheidole species with soldier caste that is normaly monogyn. Coureageous fighter, who could disperse with soldiers in team-work food-insect and hunt small insects and other animals. The color of this species varies from locality to locality. Mostly brown, also light brown and black, but there are also yellow and red colored variants. Non-temperature-sensitive species that could hibernate in unheated rooms or be well-kept by room temperature.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Myrmicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Pheidolini</strong></li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: light brown till black</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: <span style="font-style: italic;">Workers</span>: 1.5 - 3 mm, <em>Soldiers</em>: 4 - 5 mm, <em>Queen</em>: 6 - 7 mm</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: South Europe</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes <small>(see description)</small></li> <li><strong>Nestbuilding</strong>: Soild nests and under stones</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Omnivore (insects, honeywater, some grains)</li> <li><strong>Soild condition</strong>: Sand, Loam, Stones</li> <li><strong>Difficulty</strong>: easy</li> <li><strong>Specifics</strong>: Beside of the brown till black colored pheidole there are also variants with quince-yellow or myrmica-red color.</li></ul><p><strong>The yellow and red colored Pheidole is available for limited period only.</strong></p>Reaction vesselhttp://ak/Reaction_vessel.html2008-12-23T10:10:13+01:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Small vessels for storage of single queens, small colonies or for preparation.</p>Solenopsis fugaxhttp://ak/Solenopsis_fugax.en.html2009-05-14T20:12:07+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfamily <strong>Myrmicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Solenopsidini</strong></li> <li><strong>Origin:</strong> Germany</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> Yes</li> <li><strong>Characteristics:</strong> light polymorph, larger colonies polygyn</li> <li><strong>Appearence of the queen:</strong> yellow till yellow-brown, very small</li> <li><strong>Appearance of the workers:</strong> yellow till yellow-brown, very small</li> <li><strong>Nest building:</strong> soild nests, mostly under stones</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> ant brood, insects, nectar</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> warm and sunny</li> <li><strong>Air humidity:</strong> dry</li> <li><strong>Soil conditions:</strong> sand, loam, pebbles</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> not necessary</li> <li><strong>Level:</strong> for beginners</li> <li><strong>Specifics:</strong> one of the smallest ants in Germany, anyhow they are a little bit polymorph, very well-fortified because of their "poison-sting". Often nestling between greater ants, like Lasius or Serviformica. They use the brood of these ants for nutrition. Subterranean they infiltrate through very small passages the foreign nest. Could be grown very large, over 100.000 animals (no house-ants).</li></ul>Stainless steel gridhttp://ak/Stainless_steel_grid.html2008-12-22T16:05:54+01:002008-08-11T01:17:28+02:00<p>Very fine meshed stainless steel grid with a mesh size of only 0,25 mm and a wire gauge of only 0,165 mm. It may be used as break out protection in Formicarium covers.<br /><br />Because of its fine mesh size it is ideal for any kind of ants species. It is especially suited for ant species with forceful mandibles like Leaf cutting ants.</p>Tapinoma ambiguumhttp://ak/Tapinoma_ambiguum.en.html2008-09-22T00:48:57+02:002008-04-28T00:04:08+02:00<p>This ant species builds small mounds of sand particles, mostly with central hollow. Their movement is very fast. In contrary to Tapinoma erraticum the colony size is smaller and mostly can be found in sandy areas.<br /></p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Dolichoderinae</strong></li> <li><strong>Verbreitung</strong>: Southern to Central Europe (warm localities)</li> <li><strong>Characteristics</strong>: slightly polymorph, larger colonies are polygyn</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: shiny black</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: builds small mounds</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honeywater, insects (also collects other death animals)</li> <li><strong>Soil condition</strong>: Sand, Stones</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: easy</li></ul>Tapinoma erraticumhttp://ak/Tapinoma_erraticum.en.html2009-04-30T01:17:54+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>This ant species builds small mounds of soil particles, mostly with central hollow. Their movement is very fast.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Dolichoderinae</strong></li> <li><strong>Verbreitung</strong>: Central Europe (warm localities)</li> <li><strong>Characteristics</strong>: slightly polymorph, larger colonies are polygyn</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: shiny black</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: builds small mounds or will build soil nests (under stones)</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honeywater, insects (also collects other death animals)</li> <li><strong>Climate</strong>: moderate climate</li> <li><strong>Soil condition</strong>: Sand, Loam, Stones</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: easy</li></ul>Temnothorax nylanderihttp://ak/Temnothorax_nylanderi.en.html2009-05-27T03:12:41+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Small red-brown colored Myrmicinae which can be kept in small terrariums. It is also a preferred species for a conjoint with other ants because it is not dominant and avoids any conflicts with other ants.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Myrmicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: red-brown</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: 2,3 - 3,5 mm, Queens: 3,5 - 4,7 mm</li> <li><strong>Nest size</strong>: small (several 100 ants)</li> <li><strong>Characteristics</strong>: monogyn</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Western Europe</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: mostly small insects and also honey water</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: in rotten wood, small branches or under bark</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: any</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy</li></ul>Test tubeshttp://ak/Test_tubes.html2008-12-23T10:09:53+01:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Various test tubes for transport and development of ants colonies.</p>Temnothorax unifasciatushttp://ak/Temnothorax_unifasciatus.en.html2009-03-28T18:41:03+01:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Small strange colored Myrmicinae which can be kept in small terrariums. It is also a preferred species for a conjoint with other ants because it is not dominant and avoids any conflicts with other ants.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Myrmicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: light red-brown with dark striped abdomen</li> <li><strong>Nest size</strong>: small</li> <li><strong>Characteristics</strong>: monogyn</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Mid- to South Europe</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: mostly small insects and also honey water</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Small hollows (under stones, crevices)</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: any</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy</li></ul>Talcumhttp://ak/Talcum.html2009-02-18T12:10:58+01:002008-12-06T18:57:08+01:00<div><span id="_ltid_0_0" class="ltSentence"><span id="ltwid__ltid_0_0_0" class="ltWord">Talcum powder</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_0_1" class="ltWord">can</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_0_2" class="ltWord">be</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_0_2" class="ltWord">used</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_0_10" class="ltWord">as break out protection</span>. </span><span id="_ltid_0_1" class="ltSentence"><span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_2" class="ltWord">The</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_3" class="ltWord"><span class="ltUnknown">Talcum powder</span></span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_1" class="ltWord">can be </span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_18" class="ltWord">applied</span> either dry <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_7" class="ltWord">or</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_7" class="ltWord">wet</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_9" class="ltWord">with</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_9" class="ltWord">a</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_10" class="ltWord">brush</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_11" class="ltWord">on</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_13" class="ltWord">the</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_13" class="ltWord">upper</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_14" class="ltWord">edge</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_15" class="ltWord">of</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_15" class="ltWord">the</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_16" class="ltWord">ant</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_1_17" class="ltWord">basin.</span> </span><span id="_ltid_0_2" class="ltSentence"><span id="ltwid__ltid_0_2_0" class="ltWord">The</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_2_2" class="ltWord">layer</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_2_9" class="ltWord">to be</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_2_1" class="ltWord">applied</span> should <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_2_7" class="ltWord">be</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_2_7" class="ltWord">as</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_2_10" class="ltWord">thick</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_2_10" class="ltWord">as</span> 2 - 3 times ants size. </span><span id="_ltid_0_3" class="ltSentence"><span id="ltwid__ltid_0_3_0" class="ltWord">In addition</span>, <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_3_2" class="ltWord">this</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_3_1" class="ltWord">must</span> <span id="ltwid__ltid_0_3_9" class="ltWord">renewed </span></span><span id="_ltid_0_0" class="ltSentence"><span id="ltwid__ltid_0_0_0" class="ltWord"><span id="ltwid__ltid_0_0_1" class="ltWord"><span id="ltwid__ltid_0_0_2" class="ltWord">all couple of months because the ants removes ths talcum powder with the time.<br /></span></span></span></span></div><p> </p><p><strong>EINECS No.</strong>: 238-877-9<br /><strong>CAS-No</strong>.: 14807-96-6</p>Heatpackhttp://ak/Heatpack.html2009-01-26T14:19:55+01:002008-12-06T19:36:12+01:00<p>A single purpose heatpack that produces heat at least 20 hours after opening. It warms up in 3 - 5 minutes after opening, no pumping extra oxygen is required. The average temperature is about 21°C.</p><p>It can be used to transport ants or other sinsible animals during cold season.</p>Camponotus spec.http://ak/Camponotus_spec.en.casp0011.html2009-05-10T22:05:23+02:002008-12-17T23:02:27+01:00<p>An Camponotus species that is easy to keep and that breeds very fast and easy.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Southern America</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black with yellow legs</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>:14 - 16 mm</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Climate</strong>: subtropical until tropical, dry</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soilnests</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: easy<strong><br /> </strong></li></ul>Acrylic formicarium with arenahttp://ak/Acrylic_formicarium_with_arena.html2009-02-24T02:46:49+01:002009-02-24T02:33:45+01:00<p>A stable acrylic formicarium with arena, welded not glued. Suitable for most ants species, for larger species only in early stages if the colony is small. Extendable if needed.</p><h2>Arena</h2><ul> <li><strong>Size</strong>: 20x10x10 cm</li> <li><strong>Wall thickness</strong>: 3 mm</li> <li><strong>Connection tube</strong>: 20 cm, ø 1,7 cm</li></ul><h2>Formicarium</h2><ul> <li><strong>Size</strong>: 20x3x10 cm</li> <li><strong>Wall thickness</strong>: 3 mm</li></ul><p><em>Other sizes and design can be made on request.</em></p>Camponotus vagushttp://ak/Camponotus_vagus.en.html2009-04-19T03:48:33+02:002009-04-15T13:50:47+02:00<p>Camponotus vagus is a black, haired, strong and aggressive Camponotus species that can be found mainly in deadwood. This species is polymorph with size difference of up to 1 cm. This species can be found in clear forest, preferably pine forests.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Formicinae</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Central- and South Europe</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: 6 - 16 mm</li> <li><strong>Characteristics</strong>: Major- and Minor workers</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects and other small animals</li> <li><strong>Colony size</strong>: large</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: In deadwood, under stones</li> <li><strong>Specifics</strong>: There are Major- and Minor workers</li> <li><strong>Soil condition</strong>: forest floor</li></ul>Messor structorhttp://ak/Messor_structor.en.html2009-05-12T23:08:23+02:002009-04-26T13:39:58+02:00<p>Messor structor is a Myrmicinae like Messor barbarus with minor- till major-worker with all passings. Great colonies carry their seeds on long "highways" into the nest. They stores the seed in different granaries and create so-called ants bread in "chew-communities" especially for the colder season. They lay out an trash-accumulation. In contrary to other Messor species this species is polygyn i.e. has several Queens.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Myrmicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: <em>Queen </em>14 - 16 mm</li> <li><strong>Origin</strong>: South France</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Mostly seeds from different rampant plants (also grass), but insects and honeywater too</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 25 - 30 °C</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> Yes (slight)</li> <li><strong>Air humidity:</strong> Dry climate</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, loam, pebbles</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy to keep</li></ul><p><em>All of our Messor will be shipped with a small container of hand-picked plant seeds that are most popular for the Messor.<img align="right" src="/images/seeds.png" alt="seeds" /></em></p>Messor ebeninushttp://ak/Messor_ebeninus.en.html2009-05-01T12:08:26+02:002009-05-01T12:05:34+02:00<p>A black colored messor species that can be found in Middle East and North Africa. For that reason this species don't require an extensive hibernation phase and so can be kept warm or at room temperatur in winter.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Myrmicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Pheidolini</strong></li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: Worker: 4-11 mm, Queen: 12-13 mm</li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> Middle East, Nordafrica</li> <li><strong>Characteristics:</strong> polymorph, monogyne</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, often under stones</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Mostly seeds from different rampant plants (also grass), but insects and honeywater too</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 16- 25°C (Mediterranean)</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> No</li> <li><strong>Air humidity:</strong> dry</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> nothing specific</li></ul><p><em>All of our Messor will be shipped with a small container of hand-picked plant seeds that are most popular for the Messor.<img align="right" alt="seeds" src="/images/seeds.png" /></em></p>Camponotus aethiopshttp://ak/Camponotus_aethiops.en.html2009-05-18T00:24:36+02:002009-05-07T13:12:08+02:00<p>Camponotus aethiops is a shinny black colored heat loving Camponotus species that nests preferably in stony areas. This species is also polymorph with mino- and mahor workers with different shape and size.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Formicinae</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Central- and South Europe</li> <li><strong>Farbe:</strong> shinny black</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: 7 - 13 mm</li> <li><strong>Characteristics</strong>: Major- and Minor workers, monogyne</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects and other small animals</li> <li><strong>Temperatur: </strong>hot</li> <li><strong>Humidity:</strong> dry</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: In soil or sand</li> <li><strong>Soil condition</strong>: sand or stony soil</li></ul>Harpegnathos venatorhttp://ak/Harpegnathos_venator.en.html2009-05-15T01:25:06+02:002009-05-15T01:25:06+02:00<p>Harpegnathos venator has a very interesting hunting behaviour and a good sight.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Ponerinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Ponerini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> South-East Asia</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: approx. 15 mm</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Insects, Spiders, etc. and sometimes Honey-/Sugar water</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: warm, 22 - 28°C (Tropical)</li> <li><strong>Soil condition</strong>: Sand loam</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nest with caldera</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: Any rain forest plants</li> <li><strong>Keeping level</strong>: medium (for advanced ants keepers)</li></ul><p> </p>Test article number 1http://ak/Test_article_number_1.html2009-06-01T14:54:57+02:002009-05-26T04:40:38+02:00<p>Only for testing.</p>