European alternatives most popular in use are Lasius niger or Formica rufa being used by some in UK from some coorespondence I have had, though they are not its natural prey and I can't speak to recommending specifically F. rufa. They are a more predatory species and nutritional content is probably pretty far off. The Lasius niger also is heavy on carbohydrate content due to their feeding habits, which I don't think is ideal either.

The best recommendation I could give if you can't get Pogonomyrmex, is any number of the numerous European seed harvesters of the Messor genus ( ex. Messor rufitarsis, M. structor, M. barbarus ). These ants would contain more of the plant proteins and free fatty acids, which would be closer in relation to the diet of N. American red harvester ants, which do not feed largely on animal protein or sugar rich fruits; preferring seeds, leaves, and grasses for the most part.


-----
freewebs.com/wichitafallsreptilerescue

groups.yahoo.com/group/HornedLizards

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]