22 replies to this topic

[BugFinder]

Thanks for all of that great info, it's all very interesting to read!

[Miles]

Just FYI, I have updated the Crematogaster Journal that Mercutia had mentioned.

[drtrmiller]

Jan. 15 Update:

I have been examining the properties of the Blue 100 series of Ant diets for use in the LIGHTYEAR Liquid Feeders.
 

Previously, I mentioned that Blue 100 & 155 form a sediment of undissolved protein in liquid feeders.

 

I have had success incorporating these proteins with water by blending them at high speeds (using a food processor or juice blender) with the requisite amount of warm water (35-45 ml) for use in the liquid feeders.

 

Blue 155 is recommended for this application, as it may be cooked fully without setting into a gel.

 

If ants will not eat Blue 100 series diets in liquid form, the Blue foods may be mixed with Formula Green 600, or, if Green 600 is unavailable, a small amount of white sugar (do not use honey, brown sugar, or artificial sugars).

 

If my ants do not want liquid Blue 100 for some reason, I add 20-25 drops of diluted Green 600 (prepared with up to 50 ml hot water), and then 5-10 drops of Blue 100 to the liquid feeder.  The proportions may be modified, as ants will respond differently to different ratios, depending on a number of environmental and biological factors and conditions.

 

Since I understand that not everyone has access to equipment to blend the liquid, I will continue to examine alternative methods of incorporating the proteins into the water to form a suspension that may be made at home without additional equipment.

Edited by drtrmiller, January 15 2015 - 2:58 PM.