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Acromyrmex versicolor putting sand in lid


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7 replies to this topic

#1 Offline solargaze - Posted September 28 2022 - 7:22 AM

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Hey all,

 

Just wondering if anyone has any ideas of why this is happening, good or bad. In the past few days our Acromyrmex versicolor have been putting sand into the section of their chamber where the lid connects (see attached). My wife thinks it is to minimize any draft that might be coming through. It has been getting a little cooler at night as we're getting into fall, perhaps it is related? Anyway, just curious if others have any thoughts on this, thanks!

 

Jeff

 

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#2 Offline ZTYguy - Posted September 28 2022 - 7:26 AM

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Likely just them trying to make the chamber as air right as possible. Just continue to hydrate and feed.
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Ant Keeping Since June 2018
Currently Keeping:
A. versicolor, C. us-ca02, C. yogi, C. Vicinus, C. laevigatus, C. clarithorax, C. maritimus, C. ocreatus, M. mexicanus, M. placodops 01, V. andrei, V. pergandei, N. cockerelli, P. barbata, P. montanus

Hoping to Catch This season:

M. romanei, M. placodops 02, P. imberbiculus, Polyergus sp., F. moki, A. megomatta, Cyphomyrmex sp.,Temnothorax sp.


#3 Offline solargaze - Posted September 28 2022 - 7:42 AM

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Likely just them trying to make the chamber as air right as possible. Just continue to hydrate and feed.

Awesome, thanks for the input!



#4 Offline dspdrew - Posted September 28 2022 - 4:33 PM

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I have colonies that do that all the time. They're just customizing, and like ZTYguy said, they probably want their chamber as sealed off as possible.


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#5 Offline ZTYguy - Posted September 28 2022 - 4:42 PM

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I have colonies that do that all the time. They're just customizing, and like ZTYguy said, they probably want their chamber as sealed off as possible.


Yeah. I have a colony in a THA fortress (I know I know) and they just put sand all around. Although my Myrmecocystus mexicanus colony just loves to keep me from viewing their nest.
  • solargaze likes this

Ant Keeping Since June 2018
Currently Keeping:
A. versicolor, C. us-ca02, C. yogi, C. Vicinus, C. laevigatus, C. clarithorax, C. maritimus, C. ocreatus, M. mexicanus, M. placodops 01, V. andrei, V. pergandei, N. cockerelli, P. barbata, P. montanus

Hoping to Catch This season:

M. romanei, M. placodops 02, P. imberbiculus, Polyergus sp., F. moki, A. megomatta, Cyphomyrmex sp.,Temnothorax sp.


#6 Offline CheetoLord02 - Posted September 28 2022 - 5:16 PM

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Basically what the others have said; the lid doesn't seal 100% perfectly, and so they're taking some extra sand to try and seal up any gaps that may exist.

Also, glad to see your colony is doing well in that nest!


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#7 Offline solargaze - Posted September 29 2022 - 12:16 PM

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Thanks all for your feedback on this!  We're (me and my son) pretty new to anting so just trying to gain some knowledge.

 

Jeff



#8 Offline solargaze - Posted September 29 2022 - 12:17 PM

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Basically what the others have said; the lid doesn't seal 100% perfectly, and so they're taking some extra sand to try and seal up any gaps that may exist.

Also, glad to see your colony is doing well in that nest!

Yes, they have been doing really well in your nest and outworld, and they really love your food mix too. :) Thanks for the feedback.

 

Jeff






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