11 replies to this topic

[TKD102]

I've started keeping a colony of tetramorium (about 5 workers, 20 on the way) and was wondering if they had any seed storing behavior? Say I give them a few seeds with soft husks, will they store them until they break them down or just not accept that many? Thanks

[TheMicroPlanet]

I often see tetramorium carrying off small birdseeds, but i'm not sure if they store them.

[ANTdrew]

They will haul them into the nest to feed the brood, but after a few days they take them out into their trash pile. They are incredibly neat ants in my experience.

[Mdrogun]

Most ants will eat seeds to some extent. Often times, seeds are incredibly oily or full of protein and ants can detect that even if they're not a granivorous species. I'm not sure if Tetramorium immigrans is considered a granivorous species, but they certainly don't mind taking in seeds every now and then.

[TKD102]

They will haul them into the nest to feed the brood, but after a few days they take them out into their trash pile. They are incredibly neat ants in my experience.

Thanks that's what I was looking for

[RushmoreAnts]

Most ants will eat seeds to some extent. Often times, seeds are incredibly oily or full of protein and ants can detect that even if they're not a granivorous species. I'm not sure if Tetramorium immigrans is considered a granivorous species, but they certainly don't mind taking in seeds every now and then.

I’ve heard several times about granivorous behavior in these (on this forum).

[TKD102]

 

Most ants will eat seeds to some extent. Often times, seeds are incredibly oily or full of protein and ants can detect that even if they're not a granivorous species. I'm not sure if Tetramorium immigrans is considered a granivorous species, but they certainly don't mind taking in seeds every now and then.

I’ve heard several times about granivorous behavior in these (on this forum).

 

Maybe I'll just give them a bunch and see what they do. I'll post my results here guys 

[ANTdrew]

Hemp hearts are a favorite for my colonies. They also love chopped up sesame seeds.

[TKD102]

Alright so I gave them a bunch of seeds a few days ago and they're not seeming to store them. I've found they dragged a few pieces into their nest, but the workers are constantly working on breaking them down. The rest of the seeds are just in the outworld waiting for them.

[ANTdrew]

What kind of seeds? Hemp hearts and chopped up sesame seeds work the best for mine.

[ponerinecat]

Alright so I gave them a bunch of seeds a few days ago and they're not seeming to store them. I've found they dragged a few pieces into their nest, but the workers are constantly working on breaking them down. The rest of the seeds are just in the outworld waiting for them.

Perhaps they don't want to use too much energy on them? Especially if you're already providing enough nutrients for them in other food. Ants usually won't take more than they can eat.

[TKD102]

Perhaps they don't want to use too much energy on them? Especially if you're already providing enough nutrients for them in other food. Ants usually won't take more than they can eat.

Ohh that's probably it. I already give them like crickets and some grape jelly every few days.

 

What kind of seeds? Hemp hearts and chopped up sesame seeds work the best for mine.

I gave them some lightly ground flax seeds. Although probably the reason why they only accepted a little is because they're a small colony of around 30 workers.