4 replies to this topic

[antdoctor]

Hello,

 

I purchased sand intended for reptiles that contains calcium carbonate. I have since learned that this may not be ideal for ants as the calcium may interfere with pheromone signalling. Is there any truth to this? Has anyone tried one of these sands? I am making some home made formicaria and am using sand to coat chambers and such.

[mmcguffi]

I'm not sure, that's an interesting thought though. I havent heard of Ca/pheromone interference, though I would suspect this would be on a species by species basis if it indeed does happen

 

Personally I have chosen not to use aragonite/calcium-based sands because the pH is not neutral -- granted it's only slightly basic, but since it's not totally inert I've avoided it

 

All that to say, I truly do not know if it is an issue, but I would suspect it is likely fine

[antdoctor]

Thanks for your thoughts!

[gs5248]

Well chalk is made of the same material, and it does interfere with ants' pheromones.

[mmcguffi]

Well chalk is made of the same material, and it does interfere with ants' pheromones.

I don't think this is true -- you can disrupt an ant's pheromone path by "writing over it" with chalk and thus blocking the trail, but I'm pretty certain the chalk itself is not disrupting the signaling at a molecular level. Maybe this is what you were thinking @antdoctor?

 

it would be incredibly strange if CaCO3 disrupted ant's signaling given that it's one of the earth's most abundant minerals (google puts it at ~7% https://www.google.c...4dUDCA0&uact=5)