5 replies to this topic

[TechAnt]

So I was thinking about getting another colony if none of my anting trips come that successful. And I have a bunch of seeds lying around so.

What species (besides Pogomyrmex which I know only need seeds) only requires seeds to eat? I know Veromessor Pergandei’s main diet is seeds, but I hear you need to feed insects too.

[Kaelwizard]

Pogonomyrmex should also be supplemented with insects as some say they do better with them, but it is not required. I don’t think it is required with Veromessor, but is also helpful. I am no expert with these species so I would wait to here from someone who knows more, but I don’t think insects are required for any granivorous species, but they may not thrive without them.

[ponerinecat]

Pretty much no ant can live off of seeds alone. It's more of an advantage among arid lands species, where insect prey is scarce and seeds are common. However they will often resort to a more predatory diet in the right habitat or when the rains bring out other ants and termites. For example the veromessor mounds here are littered with insect exoskeletons as well as seed hulls.

[TechAnt]

ponerinecat, on 30 Jun 2020 - 4:03 PM, said:

Pretty much no ant can live off of seeds alone. It's more of an advantage among arid lands species, where insect prey is scarce and seeds are common. However they will often resort to a more predatory diet in the right habitat or when the rains bring out other ants and termites. For example the veromessor mounds here are littered with insect exoskeletons as well as seed hulls.

Ah, I see

Thanks

[OhNoNotAgain]

You've probably heard me complaining about how fast my Veromessor pergandei have grown. I cut way back on non-seed foods after getting nurbs' advice, and they're still growing like crazy. I do give occasional insect protein and they love it. I don't even provide sugar water any more (I was assured they don't need it) but if I put in a drop or two they swarm it. Basically Veros appear to be super easy as long as you don't get a weird colony with mystery issues (like my one colony that mysteriously died).

Edited by OhNoNotAgain, July 2 2020 - 10:01 PM.

[TechAnt]

OhNoNotAgain, on 03 Jul 2020 - 05:54 AM, said:

You've probably heard me complaining about how fast my Veromessor pergandei have grown. I cut way back on non-seed foods after getting nurbs' advice, and they're still growing like crazy. I do give occasional insect protein and they love it. I don't even provide sugar water any more (I was assured they don't need it) but if I put in a drop or two they swarm it. Basically Veros appear to be super easy as long as you don't get a weird colony with mystery issues.

Thanks!