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Why won't my ants eat boxelder bugs

Started By MonkeyNugget , Aug 7 2022 7:46 AM

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#1 Offline MonkeyNugget - Posted August 7 2022 - 7:46 AM

MonkeyNugget

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Hi, I am new to the hobby and my prenolepis imparis have started to leave their nest to eat honey, but won't accept the mashed up boxelder bugs for protein. There seems to be an abundance of these bugs in my yard, and I was wondering if these bugs are a no-no for ants or if I'm just feeding them too early. These ants are about a month and a half old, and there's more than 10. When do I start to feed this colony?

 


#2 Offline lazyant - Posted August 7 2022 - 7:50 AM

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 These guys are fine for ants in my experience, maybe they are just shy because of their small colony size. 


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"Loneliness and cheeseburgers are a dangerous mix." -Comic book guy 

#3 Offline MonkeyNugget - Posted August 7 2022 - 7:52 AM

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Thank you for your prompt answer


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#4 Online ANTdrew - Posted August 7 2022 - 11:57 AM

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Your box elder bugs are probably protected by strong phytochemicals. Get some real feeders like mealworms, crickets, or dubia roaches.
"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.
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