Javascript Disabled Detected

You currently have javascript disabled. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality.

Welcome to Formiculture.com!

This is a website for anyone interested in Myrmecology and all aspects of finding, keeping, and studying ants. The site and forum are free to use. Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation points to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!

Fungus farming ants and antimicrobial substances

Started By OhNoNotAgain , Sep 27 2019 1:48 PM

Please log in to reply

1 reply to this topic

#1 Offline OhNoNotAgain - Posted September 27 2019 - 1:48 PM

Advanced Member

Members
1,134 posts

LocationCalifornia Argentine Ant Territory

Found this article today about fungus-farming ants. Apparently they use antimicrobial substances (not exactly antibiotics) in farming their fungus, in cooperation with bacteria.

https://phys.org/new...ce-problem.html

"The researchers say that the secret to the ants' success may be explained by the fact that the bacteria they associate with rely on antimicrobials that vary subtly and continually over time in both structure and combination"

AnthonyP163, Ant Broski and BADANT like this

Past & Present

Veromessor pergandei, andrei, stoddardi; Novomessor cockerelli

Camponotus fragilis, Camponotus sansabeanus (inactive), vicinus, laevigatus/quercicola, CA02

Pogonomyrmex subnitidus, P. californicus (inactive)

Liometopum occidentale (inactive); Prenolepis imparis; Myrmecocystus mexicanus (inactive); Tetramorium sp. (inactive); Lasius sp.

Termites: Zootermopsis angusticollis, and a box of drywood termites that can't be seen

Isopods: (most no longer keeping) A. gestroi, granulatum, kluugi, maculatum, vulgare; C. murina; P. hoffmannseggi, P. haasi, P. ornatus; V. parvus, P. pruinosus, T. tomentosa

Spoods: (no longer keeping) Phidippus sp., other

#2 Offline Da_NewAntOnTheBlock - Posted September 29 2019 - 11:30 AM

Advanced Member

Members
1,540 posts

LocationIllinois

Interesting, this would be very useful to help tell what types of mold grow in ant nests based on the types of surfaces involved

There is a important time for everything, important place for everyone, an important person for everybody, and an important ant for each and every ant keeper and myrmecologist alike

Back to General · Next Unread Topic →