The wrong food.
- Antkit
- Pupa
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- Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2015 9:05 pm
The wrong food.
Has anyone fed a plant, fruit or vegetable which caused a problem with the ants or the fungus. Maybe worth a list of items to not go anywhere near.
Is it just a case if you provide something that is not good for them they just leave it alone?
Is it just a case if you provide something that is not good for them they just leave it alone?
Contact me at ant.enquiries@antkit.uk | All our ants are inspected and certificated at border control.
- Deansie26
- Major
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Re: The wrong food.
I've never had a problem trying anything, they don't always take them obviously. Only ensuring there pesticide free. Be interesting to hear if anyone has actually experienced an issue with a plant
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Re: The wrong food.
I did pop a Euphorbia Pulcherima leaf in the tank, one went at it straight away then seemed to be in distress so the leaf was promptly removed!
- Acromyrmexbob
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Re: The wrong food.
Theres a plant, can remember the name off the top of my head. I read a paper recently about it. If you take a leaf and place it in the line of ants coming from the nest they will cut it and carry it back. But this plant kills the fungus and after a time, if you give them enough, the colony reduces dramatically in size. Its being touted as a natural control for ants. Like I say I cant remember the name but I will look it up.
Basically if the foragers dont like the taste of the leaf they leave it and move on. I dont think you can damage your ants by offering anything new. But, as a matter of policy, if I am offering the ants a food plant never tried before I alway offer another plant I know they like. This is so that if they reject the new one they have access to leaves still.
Basically if the foragers dont like the taste of the leaf they leave it and move on. I dont think you can damage your ants by offering anything new. But, as a matter of policy, if I am offering the ants a food plant never tried before I alway offer another plant I know they like. This is so that if they reject the new one they have access to leaves still.
- Antkit
- Pupa
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- Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2015 9:05 pm
Re: The wrong food.
Now thats a good idea. About a recognized plant as well as a new variety.
Contact me at ant.enquiries@antkit.uk | All our ants are inspected and certificated at border control.
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Re: The wrong food.
I did video of my ants sent it to Jamie they was acting wired think Jamie posted it hear
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- Pupa
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Re: The wrong food.
I think its Sumac leaves that are toxic to the fungus.
- Acromyrmexbob
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Re: The wrong food.
YesShamual wrote:I think its Sumac leaves that are toxic to the fungus.
- Andyj
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- Acromyrmexbob
- Site Admin
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Re: The wrong food.
Andy, thats a good find. Great backup to your earlier point about these leaves.