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Black Fungus in test-tube


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#1 Offline Pleming - Posted October 3 2017 - 12:44 PM

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I recently had one of my Pogonomyrmex rugosus queens die leaving behind her workers, and I noticed the cotton in the test-tube had black fungus on it. This same fungus was also in another test-tube housing a queen that failed to produce brood. All of my other species the cotton turns yellow before I have to change them. Has anyone seen this before? Also is there any correlation between the black fungus and any negative affects on the colony?



#2 Offline Ants_Texas - Posted October 3 2017 - 4:06 PM

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The fungus could be contaminating their water supply. If fungus or mold starts to grow,  you should move them out as soon as possible as it will only get worse. If you're ants don't comply with the move, you'll have to carefully use force to move them.



#3 Offline Batspiderfish - Posted October 3 2017 - 7:12 PM

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Black fungi is inevitable in a test-tube setup, and typically not cause for alarm. The ants do not drink the water; they absorb it from the humid air.


If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.

 

Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.

 

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Black lives still matter.





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