Excited to start ant keeping, but ignorant
I live in Pennsylvania. I have no experience except watching tons of videos on insects & arachnids. I don’t need all these traits, but I would like a somewhat beginner ant, larger, no hibernation, polymorphic.
Do most people find larger ants more enjoyable? It seems to me it would be. I’m obviously looking for an ant that is fun to watch, that moves a lot and does a lot of stuff too.
Leaning towards chestnut carpenter ants from statesideants.com . It says they are from Florida so they may only need a few weeks of diapause or none at all(any comment on that?) They seem to be one of the only larger ants I can get in PA that doesn’t have a long hibernation (like black carpenter ants). Can you guys share your thoughts or pros and cons on this species, or suggest other ones that fit my criteria somewhat well?
They are selling an option 60 ML of sunburst for 20$. Should i get that or is there something pretty much as good, like a honey mix, that is more affordable?
Is it ok for me to buy the ants and get the formicarium a little later (bc you need to wait for them to populate before moving in)? They come in a test tube, aside from food is there anything else I will need right away?
Any more tips on a formicarium for chestnut carpenter ants(or a suggested ant), buying from statesideants, or anything on ant keeping please let me know. Thanks a lot.