Holly!

[Acromyrmexbob]

This is interesting. A few years ago I heard someone who kept Leaf Cutters saying that they regularly fed their colonies on Holly through the winter. They joked that the Holly spines could not be broken down by the fungus and so the fungus ended up with a load of spines embedded in it which was great protection for it. I remember trying Holly but the colony I had at the time did not take it and I thought no more about it. However today I was visiting Balir Drummond Safari Park to maintain their colony and the keepers have been feeding Holly as a matter of routine. The ants not only take it but seem to prefer it to other popular leaves such as Bramble which was on the feeding table along side the holly and was left untouched whereas the holly was destroyed. The circumstances are that the Holly leaves looked quite soft and fresh, the leaves were in an area which is very humid so may have been softened by this. But, whatever the reason, I am suggesting we try Holly and see. Choose as young leaves as are available and let us know. I will do the same. If Holly is taken as well as this colony does then we would have a real alternative and a new evergreen to add to our winter list. Thought that was worth a mention.

[Deansie26]

That's really interesting! I've got 2 different varieties of holly at the bottom of my garden, a straight grean leaf type and a yellow/green leaf type. I'll be trying them tomorrow. Maybe there is a way of softening the leaves by soaking in warm water or something. Will try and post findings here!

[RichardP]

I have holly in my back garden. I will drop some in forthwith.

Some initial interest.. but sprout is king for now...

[Acromyrmexbob]

Okay, Richard, you need to explain the bottle cap! Thats very mischievous of you. You know someone is going to have to ask. I tried to maintain my poker faced air of indifference and even navigated away from this thread trying to convince myself that it didnt matter but here I am asking the question, being THAT predictable, knowing that everyone else is thinking 'wonder whos going to ask about the bottle cap'. Its me!

[RichardP]

Okay, Richard, you need to explain the bottle cap! Thats very mischievous of you. You know someone is going to have to ask. I tried to maintain my poker faced air of indifference and even navigated away from this thread trying to convince myself that it didnt matter but here I am asking the question, being THAT predictable, knowing that everyone else is thinking 'wonder whos going to ask about the bottle cap'. Its me!

Haha, well the bottle top is my cynical side swipe at man's inexorable destruction of our beautiful planet. No matter where you visit in the world you will always find some discarded reminder that humans were once there.

The ants have taken some of the holly but it looks like it's been very hard work. A few segments have gone but most of it is still there.

[Atta solider]

It's the ants pub bud is on the menu haha booze ants

[Deansie26]

Today I tried the 2 Holly varieties with my Acromyrmex, they wouldn't take it.
I then boiled the leaves for a few minute's which did soften them but they still wouldn't take them.

[Acromyrmexbob]

Today I tried the 2 Holly varieties with my Acromyrmex, they wouldn't take it.
I then boiled the leaves for a few minute's which did soften them but they still wouldn't take them.

If you try changing them for privet I am sure they will take them then.

[Atta solider]

Holly is hard leaf tho if young colony tho cut ? What if I spray them with grape juice on the holly it might work lol

[Leafcutter]

I gave Rhododendron leaves to my colony when it was small and they seemed fine with it.