Massive Red Tropical Fire Ant Colony Living in Omni Nests (Update Video Jan 5/14)

Summary

In this video, the host from AntsCanada showcases the rapid growth of his red tropical fire ant colony, native to the Philippines. He details the expansion with the addition of Omni nests, a new formicarium series from his store. The ants' preference for these nests and the efficient space utilization in his kitchen setup are highlighted. The host also discusses the ants' diet, the production of alates, and the strategic use of tubing for a network that mimics their natural environment. He concludes by emphasizing the value of ant keeping for observation and discovery, referencing the Ultimate Ant Keeping Handbook available on his website.

Takeaways

• 🐜 The video is about an ant colony, specifically the red tropical fire ant, which has rapidly expanded in population.
• 🌱 The colony is housed in a series of 'Omni nests', a new product from Ants Canada, which the ants quickly adapt to and fill up.
• 🏠 The setup includes a network of tubes and multiple levels to maximize space efficiency, as the colony grows and requires more space.
• 👩‍🔬 The narrator provides ample resources for the ants, including water, food, and space, which is crucial for their thriving colony.
• 👑 The colony has started to produce alates, indicating a successful and mature colony with potential for reproduction.
• 🌐 The video describes the strategic use of tubing to create a network for the ants, which mimics their natural behavior in the wild.
• 📦 The narrator discusses the use of different sizes of tubing for flexibility in setup adjustments and the techniques for connecting them.
• 🍽️ The ants are fed a diet of rice, seeds, chocolate, and fruits, showing their diverse dietary preferences.
• 🧪 An extra-large test tube is used as a water source, demonstrating creative solutions for the colony's hydration needs.
• 🕊️ The video suggests a potential plan for managing the ants' nuptial flight by connecting a long tube to an outdoor world.
• 📚 The narrator promotes an ebook, 'The Ultimate Ant Keeping Handbook', as a comprehensive resource for ant keeping enthusiasts.

Q & A

What is the common name of the ant species discussed in the video?

The common name of the ant species discussed is the 'Sullen Obsessed Geminate', also known as the 'Red Tropical Fire Ant'.

Where is the Red Tropical Fire Ant native to?

The Red Tropical Fire Ant is native to Manila, Philippines, and other tropical countries.

What has the ant colony experienced in terms of population growth?

The ant colony has experienced a significant increase in population, to the point where it has required the addition of several more units.

What is the latest series of formic area released by Ants Canada?

The latest series of formic area released by Ants Canada is the 'Omni Nests'.

How does the ant colony react to the addition of new Omni nests?

The ant colony reacts positively to the addition of new Omni nests, moving in almost immediately.

What are the sizes of the Omni nests mentioned in the video?

The sizes of the Omni nests mentioned are large, small, and extra large.

What is the current status of the ant colony's expansion?

The ant colony is expanding rapidly, with the extra-large Omni nest and other units being filled with ants.

What kind of food does the ant colony consume?

The ant colony consumes a diet that includes insects, protein, sugars, rice, seeds, chocolate, and fruits.

How many super worms does the colony eat every 24 hours?

The colony eats 15 super worms every 24 hours.

What is the purpose of the network of tubing in the ant colony setup?

The network of tubing serves to connect different parts of the colony setup, allowing ants to travel between satellite nests, food sources, and other areas efficiently.

What are the two sizes of tubing used in the ant colony setup and why are they used?

The two sizes of tubing used are larger and smaller diameters. They are used to create a strategic network that allows for easier rearrangement and connection of different parts of the colony setup.

What is the significance of the 'T-tube' and 'Tee-tube' techniques mentioned in the video?

The 'T-tube' and 'Tee-tube' techniques are used to create intersections and choices in the tubing network, allowing ants to navigate through different paths and directions.

What does the speaker suggest doing when the ants decide to have their nuptial flight indoors?

The speaker suggests connecting a very long tube from the formic area to the outworld, carrying the outworld outside, and having the ants fly outside while connected by the tube.

What is the role of the 'Ant Keeping Handbook' mentioned in the video?

The 'Ant Keeping Handbook' is an e-book that provides comprehensive information on ant keeping, including care for specific species and general ant care practices.

What are the advantages of keeping ants in captivity according to the speaker?

The advantages of keeping ants in captivity include the ability to observe their behaviors, nest arrangements, and social interactions closely, which can lead to new discoveries and a deeper understanding of their lives.