Does anyone think this is possible? Since ants cannot see red light, do you think it would be possible to peek at founding queens to check on their progress to raising workers with a red light?
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Using Red Light to Spy on Founding Queens Without Disturbing Them?
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Gregory2455
, Jul 2 2015 3:46 PM
11 replies to this topic
#1
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Posted July 2 2015 - 3:46 PM
Gregory2455
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#2
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Posted July 2 2015 - 3:58 PM
BrittonLS
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I think I saw Terry say it's really more a myth that they can't see red. I think it may be usually it's just having some of the light filtered from coming through makes it just a bit darker so they relax more.
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#3
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Posted July 2 2015 - 3:58 PM
drtrmiller
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I bought some light filtering films of different colors I'm going to have laser cut for the GroTube XL.
If nothing else, it will lessen the intensity of light entering the housing, which may help some ants feel more secure.
If nothing else, it will lessen the intensity of light entering the housing, which may help some ants feel more secure.
byFormica® is the manufacturer of the iconic nectar feeders and Sunburst Ant Nectar.
byFormica ant products always deliver consistent performance, convenience,
and reliability, making them among the most beloved ant foods and kit enjoyed by
ant keeping enthusiasts worldwide. For more information, visit www.byFormica.com.
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Posted July 3 2015 - 9:48 AM
Foogoo
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I was just reading about this last night, a group of scientists did an experiment (easily found on google) and their conclusion was they can detect certain wavelengths/intensities of red. IIRC, scarlet red was the least detectable.
Camponotus vicinus, Crematogaster 1, Crematogaster 2, Formica francoeuri, *, *, Myrmecocystus testaceus, Novomessor cockerelli, Pheidole hyatti, Pogonomyrmex californicus, Pogonomyrmex rugosus, Solenopsis invicta
#6
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Posted July 9 2015 - 7:22 AM
AntsMAN
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I use a small red LED light to look at all my colonies, it doesen't seem to bother tham at all.
Camponotus herculeanus, Lasius neoniger, and Formica fusca.
Current queens/colonies
Camponotus novaeboracensis x2
Camponotus pennsylvanicus x2
Camponotus herculeanus x1
Formica sp. x1
Lasius americanus x1 (Lasius alienus)
Lasius neoniger x1
Crematogastor cerasi x1
Myrmica sp. x1
#7
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Posted July 17 2015 - 6:27 AM
BrittonLS
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I've found, to some extent, they are bothered less by LED than incandescent light. But I haven't studied it, just a possible observation.
#8
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Posted July 17 2015 - 6:39 AM
AntsTexas
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i use a flashlight 2 look at my Pogonomyrmex queens (the light don't freak them out) while my S. invicta queens will get freaky with the same light.....
Edited by AntsTexas, July 17 2015 - 6:39 AM.
Ant Queens found:
Solenopsis Invicta, Solenopsis xyloni, Brachymyrmex depilis/Sp, Myrmecocystus Mimicus, Pogonomyrmex barbatus,
Forelius pruinosus, Camponotus sayi, Dorymyrmex insanus, crematogaster ashmeadi,
----------------------------------------
Ant Queens i have going right now:
camponotus sayi, solenopsis invicta, Myrmecocystus Mimicus, Forelius pruinosus
Pogonomyrmex barbatus, and some others (no i.d.)
---------------------------------------
YouTube: AntsTexas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cdockray1
Facebook page: AntsTexas
#9
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Posted July 17 2015 - 11:26 AM
ohhhhh
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reptiles and insects alike, are not bothered by low red light. they don't see infrared very well at all.
Edited by larynix, July 17 2015 - 11:46 AM.
#10
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Posted July 17 2015 - 2:47 PM
AntsTexas
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reptiles and insects alike, are not bothered by low red light. they don't see infrared very well at all.
i wonder if u can put a/an I.R. camera in their "quiet place" to watch/keep an eye on them w/o disturbing them....
Ant Queens found:
Solenopsis Invicta, Solenopsis xyloni, Brachymyrmex depilis/Sp, Myrmecocystus Mimicus, Pogonomyrmex barbatus,
Forelius pruinosus, Camponotus sayi, Dorymyrmex insanus, crematogaster ashmeadi,
----------------------------------------
Ant Queens i have going right now:
camponotus sayi, solenopsis invicta, Myrmecocystus Mimicus, Forelius pruinosus
Pogonomyrmex barbatus, and some others (no i.d.)
---------------------------------------
YouTube: AntsTexas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cdockray1
Facebook page: AntsTexas
#11
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Posted July 17 2015 - 6:14 PM
ohhhhh
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reptiles and insects alike, are not bothered by low red light. they don't see infrared very well at all.
i wonder if u can put a/an I.R. camera in their "quiet place" to watch/keep an eye on them w/o disturbing them....
I'm pretty sure that would work. i raised a few insects, where i used that method. it worked fine. they didn't have a clue. I've also used them on constrictors, and monitor lizards while they were caring for brood or eggs, and had no troubles. this is my first experience with ants, so i can't say for sure, but it was just fine for the experiences listed.
#12
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Posted July 17 2015 - 7:31 PM
drtrmiller
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reptiles and insects alike, are not bothered by low red light. they don't see infrared very well at all.
I agree. In my observation, ants respond more distinctly to blue and UV light than to red, and not at all to IR.
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byFormica® is the manufacturer of the iconic nectar feeders and Sunburst Ant Nectar.
byFormica ant products always deliver consistent performance, convenience,
and reliability, making them among the most beloved ant foods and kit enjoyed by
ant keeping enthusiasts worldwide. For more information, visit www.byFormica.com.
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