Aphaenogaster floridanaSpecies Introduction
Claustral. Single queen, sealed founding chamber, no outside food needed for the first generation. Aphaenogaster floridana queens will readily fight each other on sight so make sure to keep them separate.
Native to the Southeastern US. These large, yellow ants are closely associated with sandy soils and is most commonly found in Florida. They are generalist scavengers they are quite shy in the wild but will take down small prey items. As they do not have social stomachs, all prey items will be brought into the nest for the larvae and colony members to directly feed. Colonies of A. floridana are quite small, reaching no more than a few hundred workers in size.
These protein loving ants are a great species for anyone scared by the larger colony sizes of most ants. Aphaenogaster floridana is a quite forgiving species with not too many needs, keep them humid and keep them well fed and they will grow accordingly.
Formicarium
Substrate nests are recommended for these humid loving ants. We believe a fully sized Aphaenogaster floridana colony would fit nicely within a Substratum Sand Ant Nest.
Water & Humidity
Very humid. Aphaenogaster floridana are commonly found nesting in wet, sandy soil.
Recommended to use TrapJaw Labs PVA sponges during founding for improved success rates and more nanitics.
Keep a liquid feeder with water (distilled, purified, or spring) in the foraging area at all times.
Protein
Protein-loving. We suggest feeding protein 2–3 times a week.
TrapJaw Labs feeds our A. floridana colonies with pre-killed D. melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies. These ants will take most feeder insects.
Two to three times per week. Increase amounts to scale with brood development.
Carbohydrates
These ants do benefit from carbohydrates.
Occasional small honey-water or sugar-water drop in the outworld is fine.
We recommend providing sugar-water (we use our Ant Nectar Mix) and fresh-water liquid feeders in the outworld at all times.
Maintenance
Week 1: Dark, warm, gently humid, and undisturbed. Do not feed.
Weeks 3–5: First workers appear. Start protein 2–3×/week and offer carbohydrates.
Months 2+: Growing colony. They'll take a lot of food if you want to give it to them.
Diapause is not required for this species.
Care Summary
- Protein 2–3×/week (more is better)
- Sugar via small open drops
- Very humid
- Gradient 75–88°F