4 replies to this topic

[ArmyAntz]

So I was checking up on some of my ants. And I noticed that one of the pupae looked very strange. I turned the tube around to get a better look and realized the pupae's head was completely gone. Like, completely torn off the body. The workers weren't tending to it anymore and completely ignored it, confirming that it is dead. I couldn't find the head anywhere. And the other pupae were fine.

 

So my question is, why? I assume the ants killed it, unless there's some other explanation. Were the ants stressed? They had more than enough protein, and water. Is there a way I can prevent this in the future? I'm just really confused because I've never seen that happen before. 

[AntsDakota]

I'm not sure of the cause, as it's mostly because of a lack of protein (which you clarified they had much of). However, I can tell you that ants eating brood for whatever reason is not uncommon.

[ArmyAntz]

Okay. To add on it was the first major the colony was getting. I just hope it doesn't happen again. 

[jushi]

I've seen this happen quite a bit with Prenolepis Imparis. This usually means they need more variety in their protein. Try giving them other types of insects, this should help

[ArmyAntz]

I'll try that!