a strange ant i heard about can u guys help please?

[Bug collecter]

Hi Guys

I heard about an Ant that when it defends itself it fires some sort of acid into whatevers face is disturbing or trying to eat this ant. What is this species of ant called and could they be kept as pets? thanks.

 

[danread]

Hi bug collector,

there are lots of ant species that will spray formic acid in defence, i think most in the family Formicinae. The species you are most likely to find in the UK and keep easily is Lasius niger, the common black ant. I think the wood ant is also in the family Formicinae. There is plently of information about keeping ants on the internet, try these links for starters:

http://www.antnest.co.uk

http://www.antcolony.org

You've probably just missed the best time of year for getting a queen, as you can usually find lots during the nuptial flights in later summer. The other option is to dig up a colony and find the queen, or buy a colony from http://www.antstore.de/en/shop_ants/.

Cheers,

 

[Bug collecter]

Hi Dan Thanks for the info it is greatly appreciated.

The reason i ask about the ants as they were talking about ants on john peel's home truth and he mentioned one species of ant called the crazy yellow ant or something like that and mentioned spraying the acid in defence have i got the right name and i think it is a tropical species? thanks.