the Arboreal Weaver:
Ready for a truly captivating ant-keeping experience? Introducing the Arboreal Weaver – the perfect species to pair with our Weaver Two setup or a spacious medium/large outworld with substrate and debris.
Why You'll Love Them: Dives are the ideal choice for both budding and experienced ant enthusiasts. With their calm and docile nature, you can dive straight into the fascinating world of weaver ants without the intense demands of other species. These gorgeous ants, native to Asia, are known for their golden gaster shimmer and high activity levels. You'll find yourself mesmerized by their speed and agility, as they weave and work tirelessly around their nest – trust us, you'll be entertained for hours!
The Art of Weaving: As weaver ants, these little architects are experts at using silk from their larvae to seal up their nests and create secure, intricate homes out of leaves, twigs, and moss. Their nests, whether on the ground or nestled in low bushes and trees, are easy to spot and are a true marvel of nature. Plus, they’re poly – meaning that mature colonies often house multiple queens, and an established nest can boast anywhere from 20 to 50 queens! Talk about a busy, bustling ant community.
Incredible Ant Behavior: Prepare to be amazed by the weaver's unique behaviors! When they freeze, they almost look like little statues, carefully observing their surroundings. Once they’ve spotted a target, they spring into action with lightning speed. And if you get too close, beware – they’ll use formic acid with no hesitation! Don’t worry, though; they’re generally not aggressive, but those large workers can grip onto your finger while dishing out a little “defense” if needed.
Fascinating Facts: In the wild, weaver colonies can grow to an impressive size, with up to 2,000 workers per queen! These ants thrive on a diet rich in sugar and proteins, with a particular fondness for small insects like fruit flies and fly larvae. As you care for your colony, you'll be amazed by how much silk they produce – they need plenty of brood and protein to fuel this industrious behavior.
Key Details:
- Queen Age: Up to 12 years (estimated)
- Colony Type: Polygyne (multiple queens per nest)
- Reproduction: Semi-claustral (food needed)
- Temperature & Humidity:
- Nest: 24–28°C | Outworld: 22–30°C
- Nest Humidity: 55–65% | Outworld Humidity: 30–70%
- No Diapause/Hibernation
- Polymorphic Workers: 6mm–10mm | Queen: 10mm–12mm
- Defense: Bites if threatened, and they have formic acid for defense!
- Diet: Sugar, protein (small insects like fruit flies and larvae), and always provide fresh water
Ready to embark on your own ant-keeping journey with the Arboreal Weaver? These amazing ants are not only visually striking but will also provide hours of entertainment as you watch their complex, silk-spun world unfold. Whether you're new to ant-keeping or an experienced hobbyist, the Arboreal Weaver will definitely keep you hooked!