3 replies to this topic

[Max_Connor]

Recently I noticed that my harvester ants seem to ignore the poppy seeds I give them. The colony lives in a test tube and has just 20 workers, they don't seem to drag those seeds around or deeper in the test tube. Even though poppy seeds are recommended for them at this stage.

 

Or they just eat so little that I cannot notice it? And can poppy seeds go rancid after some time?

 

I still can't give them any larger seeds with hard husks as soon as there's no majors yet.

[ReignofRage]

Try offering a variety of seeds, my harvesters (Veromessor pergandei) is just a queen and maybe 10 workers and they have no issue getting into seeds larger than poppy seeds. You can also precrush seeds as well to make it easier for them. By the way, what species are your harvesters?

[Max_Connor]

You can also precrush seeds as well to make it easier for them. By the way, what species are your harvesters?

 

Oh, it's just Messor structor, and I gave them some squished grains, they also liked almomd pieces.

 

I heard that poppy seeds can get bitter or rancid and at some point the colony will reject them, maybe 

[ANTdrew]

Yes, oily seeds of any kind can go rancid.