Why Upgrade? As your ant colony grows, their needs change. More workers = more space, food, and waste. Keeping them in a nest that’s too small can cause overcrowding, stress, and escape attempts (because ants are tiny Houdinis). So, how do you know it’s time to upgrade, and how do you do it safely without […]
Upgrading Your Ant Colony’s Formicarium – When & How to Do It Right Read More »
Why Does the Right Nest Matter? 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 formicarium affects your colony’s growth, health, and behavior. The wrong nest? Too dry, too humid, too big, or too small—and you’ll have escape
Ant Nests 101: Choosing the Best Formicarium for Your Colony Read More »
Scientific Name: Tenebrio molitorCommon Name: MealwormSize: Larvae: 1–3cm | Beetles: 1.5–2cmLifespan: Larvae ~8–12 weeks, Beetles ~1–3 monthsReproduction: Beetles lay up to 500 eggs in their lifetimeBest Temperature for Breeding: 24–28°CFeeding Frequency: Provide fresh food every 2–3 days 1. Introduction to Breeding Mealworms Mealworms are one of the best protein sources for ant colonies, making them
Breeding Mealworms – The Ultimate Feeder Insect Guide for Ant Keepers Read More »
Scientific Name: Polyrhachis ammonCommon Name: Golden Spiny AntSize: Workers: 6–10mm | Queens: 10–12mmLifespan: Queens ~10+ years, Workers ~1–2 yearsColony Type: Monogynous (Single Queen)Foraging Activity: Diurnal (Active During the Day)Natural Habitat: Coastal and dry woodland regions across northern and eastern AustraliaNuptial Flight Season: Late spring to early summer (October–December)Hibernation: No true hibernation; reduced activity in cooler
Golden Spiny Ant (Polyrhachis ammon) – Ultimate Care Guide Read More »
Scientific Name: Myrmecia pilosulaCommon Name: Jumping Jack AntSize: Workers: 10–14mm | Queens: 14–16mmLifespan: Queens ~10+ years, Workers ~1 yearColony Type: Monogynous (Single Queen)Foraging Activity: Diurnal (Active During the Day)Natural Habitat: Open forests, woodlands, and grasslands across AustraliaNuptial Flight Season: Spring to early summer (October–December)Hibernation: No true hibernation; reduced activity in cooler monthsFounding Type: Semi-claustral –
Jumping Jack Ant (Myrmecia pilosula) – Ultimate Care Guide Read More »
Scientific Name: Ochetellus glaberCommon Name: Black Household AntSize: Workers: 2.5–3.5mm | Queens: 6–7mmLifespan: Queens ~5 years, Workers ~6–12 monthsColony Type: Polygynous (Multiple Queens)Foraging Activity: Diurnal & Nocturnal (Active Day & Night)Natural Habitat: Urban areas, forests, and grasslands across AustraliaNuptial Flight Season: Spring to early summer (October–December)Hibernation: No true hibernation; remains active year-roundFounding Type: Semi-claustral –
Black Household Ant (Ochetellus glaber) – Ultimate Care Guide Read More »
Scientific Name: Pheidole antipodumCommon Name: Big-Headed AntSize: Workers: 2–4mm | Soldiers: 4–5mm | Queens: 8–9mmLifespan: Queens ~5 years, Workers ~1 yearColony Type: Monogynous (Single Queen)Foraging Activity: Nocturnal and crepuscular (active at dawn & dusk)Natural Habitat: Dry regions across Australia, nesting in open soil or under rocksNuptial Flight Season: Late spring to early summer (November–December)Hibernation: No
Big-Headed Ant (Pheidole antipodum) – Ultimate Care Guide Read More »
Scientific Name: Iridomyrmex purpureusCommon Name: Meat AntSize: Workers: 6–12mm | Queens: 14–16mmLifespan: Queens ~5 years, Workers ~1 yearColony Type: Monogynous (Single Queen)Foraging Activity: Diurnal (Active During the Day)Natural Habitat: Open forests, woodlands, and urban areas across AustraliaNuptial Flight Season: Late spring to early summer (November–December)Hibernation: No true hibernation; reduced activity in cooler monthsFounding Type: Fully
Meat Ant (Iridomyrmex purpureus) – Ultimate Care Guide Read More »
Scientific Name: Rhytidoponera metallicaCommon Name: Green-Headed AntSize: Workers: 5–7mm | Queens: 6–8mmLifespan: Queens: Up to 2 years | Workers: ~1 yearColony Type: Monogynous (Single Queen) or Gamergate (Reproductive Workers)Foraging Activity: Diurnal (Active During the Day)Natural Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and urban areas across AustraliaNuptial Flight Season: Late spring to early summer (November–December)Hibernation: No true hibernation; reduced
Green-Headed Ant (Rhytidoponera metallica) – Ultimate Care Guide Read More »
Scientific Name: Myrmecia piliventrisCommon Name: Golden-Tailed Bull AntSize: Workers 10–15.5mm | Queen ~20mm | Males ~10mmLifespan: Queens ~15 years, Workers ~1 yearColony Type: Monogynous (Single Queen)Foraging Activity: Mostly nocturnal, occasional daytime activityNatural Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and urban areas in southeastern AustraliaNuptial Flight Season: Late summer to early autumn (January–March)Hibernation: Partial dormancy during cooler months (May–August)Founding
Golden-Tailed Bull Ant (Myrmecia piliventris) – Ultimate Care Guide Read More »
