7 replies to this topic

[Aliallaie]

A few days ago I posted about lack of growth in my harvester ant colony. A colony I purchased back in October. In the post I was told in a comment to feed them protein source. So I gave them a few pieces of meal worms and it seems they really love it. As soon as I dropped it in their outworld it was gone and I checked a few hours later they were eating it in their nest. I assume this proves harvester ants don’t just feed on seeds. I’m not sure of maybe I was misinformed or something. Anyone else had any experience regarding this issue?

[CheetoLord02]

harvester ants of any genus cannot survive on ONLY seeds. They require seeds in their diet to survive, yes, but they also need insect protein. I'd generally recommend a diet consisting of around 75-80% seeds and the rest insect protein

[Aliallaie]

Oh ok. Then I most definitely was misinformed. I’m guessing their lack of growth has been that they haven’t had any protein in their diet?

[ANTdrew]

Ali, I’ve heard these like dried insects, too, unlike most ants. Somebody correct me if I’m wrong.
I still say we need a detailed care sheet on this species.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

Oh ok. Then I most definitely was misinformed. I’m guessing their lack of growth has been that they haven’t had any protein in their diet?

yes it was, here's some good info; of the 75-80% of seeds they need in their diet, 70% of that has to be big seeds such as wheatgrass or barley or stuff like that. The littler seeds can be Chia seeds and smaller seeds such as that (dandelion seeds for example). THA says they can live on just seeds but even ants that evolved to live on seeds need variety in their diet

[Aliallaie]

Ant drew yes I’ll go ahead and order some dried insects. In the meantime I’ll be feeling them mealworms hopefully I see a growth. Currently they seem more energetic and their gasturs are full. Never knew their gasturs could get that big.
Thank you everyone for sharing your information with me

[Aliallaie]

Thank you everyone for sharing information with me

[FSTP]

I give my harvesters seeds but I give them just as much if not more protein. Mine really love Kenyan roaches.