Ant Advocate

Ant Escape-Proofing 101: Best Barriers & Lids to Stop Runaways

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Ants are curious, persistent, and excellent climbers. A great nest means nothing if your containment fails. This guide compares the most effective ant barrier options—PTFE/Fluon, talc mixes, mineral oils, and hardware solutions—so you can build an escape-proof setup that’s safe for your colony. Quick Comparison – Ant Barrier Options Barrier Type Best For How It […]

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Upgrading Your Ant Colony’s Formicarium – When & How to Do It Right

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As your colony grows, its needs change. More workers mean more space, more food, and more waste. Keeping ants in a nest that’s too small leads to overcrowding, stress, and escape attempts. This guide shows you how to time a formicarium upgrade and move your colony safely with minimal stress. Quick Upgrade Checklist Sign What

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Ant Nests 101: Choosing the Best Formicarium for Your Colony

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Not all ants love the same real estate. Some dig deep underground, others prefer wood, and some happily move into an acrylic penthouse. Choosing the right nest directly affects growth, health, and behaviour. Pick wrong—too dry, too humid, too big, or too small—and you invite escapes, mould, or colony decline. This guide compares the best

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Breeding Mealworms – The Ultimate Feeder Insect Guide for Ant Keepers

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Scientific Name Tenebrio molitor Common Name Mealworm Size Larvae: 1–3 cm | Beetles: 1.5–2 cm Lifespan Larvae ~8–12 weeks | Beetles ~1–3 months Reproduction Beetles can lay up to ~500 eggs over their lifespan Best Temperature for Breeding 24–28 °C Feeding Frequency Provide fresh food every 2–3 days 1. Introduction to Breeding Mealworms Breeding mealworms at home is

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Golden Spiny Ant (Polyrhachis ammon) – Ultimate Care Guide

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Scientific Name Polyrhachis ammon Common Name Golden Spiny Ant Size Workers: 6–10 mm | Queens: 10–12 mm Lifespan Queens ~10+ years | Workers ~1–2 years Colony Type Monogynous (Single Queen) Foraging Activity Diurnal (active during the day) Natural Habitat Coastal and dry woodland regions across northern & eastern Australia Nuptial Flights Late spring to early summer (Oct–Dec),

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Jumping Jack Ant (Myrmecia pilosula) – Ultimate Care Guide

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Ant Species Guide / 11/02/2025 / Leave a Comment Scientific Name Myrmecia pilosula Common Name Jumping Jack Ant (Jack Jumper) Size Workers: 10–14 mm | Queens: 14–16 mm Lifespan Queens ~10+ years | Workers ~1 year Colony Type Monogynous (Single Queen) Foraging Activity Diurnal (day-active); highly visual hunters Natural Habitat Open forests, woodlands, and grasslands across southern

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Black Household Ant (Ochetellus glaber) – Ultimate Care Guide

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Scientific Name Ochetellus glaber Common Name Black Household Ant Size Workers: 2.5–3.5 mm | Queens: 6–7 mm Lifespan Queens ~5 years | Workers ~6–12 months Colony Type Polygynous (Multiple Queens) Foraging Activity Diurnal & Nocturnal Natural Habitat Urban areas, forests, and grasslands across Australia Nuptial Flight Season Spring to early summer (Oct–Dec) Hibernation None –

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Big-Headed Ant (Pheidole antipodum) – Ultimate Care Guide

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Scientific Name Pheidole antipodum Common Name Big-Headed Ant Size Workers: 2–4 mm | Soldiers (majors): ~4–5 mm | Queens: 8–9 mm Lifespan Queens ~5 years | Workers ~1 year Colony Type Monogynous (Single Queen) Foraging Activity Nocturnal & Crepuscular (active at dawn & dusk) Natural Habitat Dry regions of Australia; open soil and under rocks

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Meat Ant (Iridomyrmex purpureus) – Ultimate Care Guide

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Quick Facts Attribute Details Scientific Name Iridomyrmex purpureus Common Name Meat Ant Size Workers: 6–12mm, Queens: 14–16mm Lifespan Queens: ~5 years, Workers: ~1 year Colony Type Monogynous (Single Queen) Foraging Diurnal (Daytime Active) Habitat Open forests, woodlands, urban areas Nuptial Flights November–December (Late Spring–Early Summer) Hibernation No; reduced activity in winter Founding Type Fully Claustral

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Green-Headed Ant (Rhytidoponera metallica) – Ultimate Care Guide

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Scientific Name: Rhytidoponera metallicaCommon Name: Green-Headed AntSize: Workers: 5–7 mm | Queens: 6–8 mmLifespan: Queens: Up to 2 years | Workers: ~1 yearColony Type: Gamergate-led (reproductive workers) or rarely monogynous (single queen)Foraging Activity: Diurnal (Active During the Day)Natural Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and urban areas across AustraliaNuptial Flight Season: Spring (September–November)Hibernation: No true hibernation; reduced activity

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