9 replies to this topic

[Occultus]

Hello. I’m currently working alongside the University of Gloucestershire to complete a major research project looking at Leaf-Cutting Ant husbandry, a history of Leaf-Cutting Ant displays since the first recorded Leaf Cutting Ant Zoo display in 1938, and a comprehensive review of all literature associated with leaf Cutting Ant management. 

 

I'm looking to contact anyone who has had experience keeping any species of Leaf-Cutting Ants, I would be interested in adding the various methods you employ to a database of husbandry techniques from sources around the world. This would take the form of a questionnaire which will ask a series of questions about the way you keep your ants. The information will be compiled to produce a comprehensive report on the ideal set up and parameters based on the consensus of everyone. 

Our goal is to approach everyone around the world (Zoos/ researchers/ private keepers) and access their experiences and ideas regarding these. Anyone who would like to participate would be sent a form to fill in via email and a contact name. 

 

I hope to get in touch with many members here. Feel free to send me a private message.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

 

Kind regards

Che Hawkins

 

[Mettcollsuss]

I know there are several people on here that keep Acromyrmex.

Edited by Mettcollsuss, May 2 2018 - 1:39 PM.

[StayLoki]

Occultus
Good luck in your biology conservation efforts!
I think what you're doing is great and thank you for your all that you do!!

I just joined in Feb., a DVM; I didn't major in Entomology, but I can attest to the fact that members on here have trouble sharing. I hope someone messages you with helpful information, but I haven't seen anyone keeping leaf cutters on here personally.
There's a journal section if you want to scan through it http://www.formicult...eping-journals/for any useful information..

Otherwise most keep lasius, camponotus, tapinoma, and myrmica.

P.S. are they really of THE 1938?
(Just asking for all the judgementals)

[Occultus]

Thank you for your help, StayLoki. Hopefully, someone will get back to me soon.

 

The first public Leaf-cutting Ant display was created by an interesting man named Raymond Lee Ditmars. who installed a colony at the Bronx Zoo in 1938. 

[Canadian anter]

JPSMedeiros has an Atta sexdens journal

[StayLoki]

Yes, random..but I read "You belong in a zoo" by Peter Brazaitis and thought it was so amusing how the leaf cutter colony would work out excapes routes
I'm only referring to the book, nothing against the Bronx zoo! I'm in NY and donate and go every year!

Edited by StayLoki, May 4 2018 - 4:14 PM.

[Enderz]

Hello, user dspdrew keeps Acromyrmex sp. but I do not know if he currently has any colonies. I would give him a DM to find out, good luck

[rbarreto]

Here is a link to an Atta cephalotes journal that was pretty successful, the set up is also very interesting.

 

http://www.antkeepin...c.php?f=26&t=84

[StayLoki]

@Occultus
I read the journal above and it's amazing.
But there's a point where he says "thanks Che" hahaha is that you???

[kalimant]

 

Hello. I’m currently working alongside the University of Gloucestershire to complete a major research project looking at Leaf-Cutting Ant husbandry, a history of Leaf-Cutting Ant displays since the first recorded Leaf Cutting Ant Zoo display in 1938, and a comprehensive review of all literature associated with leaf Cutting Ant management. 

 

I'm looking to contact anyone who has had experience keeping any species of Leaf-Cutting Ants, I would be interested in adding the various methods you employ to a database of husbandry techniques from sources around the world. This would take the form of a questionnaire which will ask a series of questions about the way you keep your ants. The information will be compiled to produce a comprehensive report on the ideal set up and parameters based on the consensus of everyone. 

Our goal is to approach everyone around the world (Zoos/ researchers/ private keepers) and access their experiences and ideas regarding these. Anyone who would like to participate would be sent a form to fill in via email and a contact name. 

 

I hope to get in touch with many members here. Feel free to send me a private message.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

 

Kind regards

Che Hawkins

 

 

 

The Central Park Zoo in New York City had an Atta cephalotes colony for several years, though it died a few years back. I hope you have contacted them as well.