6 replies to this topic

[giraffedom]

I caught 8 of these queens last week, and only 2 appeared to have fungus pellets. I put these two in some plastic outworlds with their tube, some mesquite leaves, and a feeding dish of honey. I also offered fruit flies and misted the container with a spray bottle to [censored] humidity. Is there anything else I need to add? I've never kept this species before and I understand it can be a challenge, so I'd like to ensure that these habitats are up to par. Also, what should I be feeding them at this stage? Is there a specific type of leafy plant these queens prefer for their fungus?

 

 

[Zeiss]

Do not give them any food.  That will just possibly compromise their fungal gardens.  These do not eat anything but their fungus. I suggest taking out the honey and fruit flies.  There are some really good journals about keeping them if you look around the forum.  

 

Here is a list about what they use for their fungus:  http://www.formicult...-species/?p=352

Edited by Zeiss, July 23 2018 - 1:02 PM.

[giraffedom]

Thank you for the info and for directing me to this, I didn't know they only eat the fungus. I removed all other food and may try something off the list later.

[LC3]

Additionally the fungus cannot be kept in temperatures above 90F, 85 - 89F seems optimal. The fungus also requires a really high level of humidity although I don't know the exact figures. Probably higher then 85% at least.

 

I'd recommend to give this a read. Your current setup doesn't seem to be the best as it seems rather closed off,way too spatious and inadequate to deal with moisture (condensation is not good for really any ant). Also the fungus cannot be moved easily, it's rather delicate especially in the early stages of the colony.

 

http://www.formicult...ontinued/page-1

 

I would recommend giving this a read.

[giraffedom]

Thanks for your input. Misting with a spray bottle has been maintaining humidity in the container really well, but I understand that condensation isn't ideal. I'll see if a wet cotton ball in a dish works better. By too spacious, do you mean the outworld is too tall? Because I think the total volume is pretty similar to the pencil case sized boxes Drew used in his journal. Mine are about 4"x4"x5"h. I originally had them in just the test tube but then read that they are semi-claustral and need to forage, which is why I placed them in the containers. Do you suggest a tube with a wider diameter? 

[LC3]

Sorry, I hadn’t noticed the test tubes. I assumed they were just being kept in the container itself.

[dspdrew]

I don't think the fungus should be kept that hot. I think around 80 degrees is probably best. The humidity I have been told should be as close to 100% as possible.

 

The ants will need a humid container for their nest and fungus garden, and access to a dry container where the substrate should be kept. Keeping the substrate in a humid container is just going to result in unwanted mold.