4 replies to this topic

[Manitobant]

Today I caught a tapinoma sessile colony with about 15 workers and 1 queen. I know these guys have incredibly stinky chemical defenses and this got me wondering if Like some formica species with strong acid (such as rufa) they can kill themselves by gassing their tube with formic acid. Can tapinoma do this or am I just overreacting?

[gcsnelling]

Although I have not run into this issue, I suspect a large number in a small container can do so.

[ponerinecat]

smell is not toxic, just really unpleasant. they also do not constantly release it.

[mrfroggyjoe]

The smell isn't caused by acid it is just pheromones that will fade away, no harm to your ants.

[gcsnelling]

The chemicals released are indeed often used in defense and are more than just pheromones. I still think a large number in a small closed container could run into trouble, although admittedly since my only goal with OHA has been their death I have never worried about it.