Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I don't have easy access to Pogo's. They used to be common in my area (Thousand Oaks, CA), but development and argentine ants have driven them out. Would like to start a colony (or two, or more) either in my yard, or maybe in an ant farm so I don't have to rely on mail order to support my hobbie/habit.

1. Anyone have suggestions/instructions on how to do this?

2. I know where some nests are locally. Does anyone know what time of year the local Pogo's take flight in my area?

Thanks,
Roger

Hey Roger,
Check out this link for info on keeping ants.
There is one ant up above Boquet canyon reservoir that I know approximate flight times for, but this is a mountain species I think and not sure how much luck you'd have. They are a pogo and good HL food though. I was able to get a few queens last season and even had some brood come out, but the colonies died out. I had them indoors and they either didn't get the food they needed or they dried out and dehydrated. They are difficult wouldn't you know. But you might have better luck if you got them going outdoors. The problem would be the argentine ants invading but maybe you can control it. You also might be able to find a better supply of wild ants out toward Santa Clarita up the 5 toward Castaic. It is drier up that way and may not be invaded yet.
Good luck to you!

http://www.armyants.org/
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www.Phrynosoma.Com

Here is a very good article about rearing Pogonomyrmex californicus. The method here would apply to all other Pogo species as well.

Rearing Pogonomyrmex