3 replies to this topic

[Works4TheGood]

I have a bunch of small Lasius nearcticus colonies (only nanitics). However, I've never seen these colonies forage like I have my other colonies. They never seem to exit their test tube at all. I know that this species is subterranean. That said, should I even have the expectation that they come out to forage? Even if they don't normally forage, will they forage if the alternative is starvation? Do I need to deliver the sugar-water and insects closer to the nest entrance than I do my other species? Do they accept the same food types as other foraging Lasius species? I could use some help on general care documentation for subterranean species like this if anyone can point me to some.

[EstuaryAnts]

If they're not coming out I think you should move the food closer to the nest

[Works4TheGood]

I still feel like this topic is mostly unresolved. Do subterranean species tend to be more reclusive and less voracious? Will they forage at the surface (outworld) if they cannot find adequate resources underground (in test tube)?

Switching topics slightly, these colonies are running out of water in their test tube. Will they explore and move to the neighboring test tube that has plenty? Would keeping the outworld dark help aid in the transition?

[dspdrew]

I can't speak about that species specifically, but most any ants will eventually come out to get food, and if the test tube goes dry, they will move into a new one. Just because you don't see them coming out, doesn't mean they aren't, unless you're watching them 24-7.