Trinidad Expedition Dec - Jan 2016

[Acromyrmexbob]

This is the start of my Journal about my collecting trip to Trinidad.
Going to relax but also to do some real work. Will bring back colonies of Atta, Acromyrmex and possibly Trachymyrmex.
Looking forward to posting on topic pictures here and else where in the forum and off topic pictures in the appropriate section. I will try to keep up with everyones posts as best I can but there may be days when I cannot get on. I will make up for that when I can. Anyway check out this page for my trip updates as they happen.

[Acromyrmexbob]

Some pictures showing various stages in digging up Atta colonies. These are all around 1 year old colonies.



This is normally how the entrance way looks when first found. There has been a great deal of rain recently in Trinidad so some of the colonies are very difficult to find.


Starting to expose the actual garden


This is ready to be removed from the ground


And now in the tub

[Acromyrmexbob]

Some other Leaf Cutting Ant colonies being dug up.

These ones are all Atta















And these are Acromyrmex

[Acromyrmexbob]

Back next Monday, week today. I have taken some film but cant upload it here so will do when back. Lots of piccies but again difficult to send. I currently, as of today, have 150 colonies of LCA. Approx 50/50 atta, acromyrmex. Looking to finish at 180. Nightmare to care for. At present I am spending 2 hours per day looking after them.
Going after the bigger Attas now for the commercial setups. Its biting time!

[Formica123]

150!!!!!!!!! Wow!!!!1

[Britishants.com]

Excellent pics, wish I was there with you!

[Acromyrmexbob]

Excellent pics, wish I was there with you!

Right now I wish you were here with me as well. Being in the tropics is not as much fun when you have to spend several hours a day neck deep in caring for LCA's. Takes time!!

[Deansie26]

How did I miss theses??? Really fantastic pictures Andrew, thanks for taking them and looking forward to seeing the rest once your back.
If you could take a picture of all the colonies that you have collected and see how you store them all together that would be great. Must be so time consuming but enjoyable!

[Formica123]

Can you get a picture of fungus garden on a spoon please

[Bitterlime]

150!!!! That's incredible! Great photos!