Javascript Disabled Detected

You currently have javascript disabled. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality.

Welcome to Formiculture.com!

This is a website for anyone interested in Myrmecology and all aspects of finding, keeping, and studying ants. The site and forum are free to use. Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation points to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!

How to keep Acromyrmex fungus chambers clean and avoid crashes?

Started By OhNoNotAgain , Jul 2 2023 7:52 PM

Please log in to reply

No replies to this topic

#1 Offline OhNoNotAgain - Posted July 2 2023 - 7:52 PM

Advanced Member

Members
1,072 posts

LocationCalifornia Argentine Ant Territory

I have this recurring problem ... I'm probably doing something wrong, but:

My Acromyrmex will fill their fungus chamber until it's STUFFED with fungus, and then ... inevitably ... soon after totally filling the chamber, the fungus crashes. The ants start hauling more and more out as garbage, but the fungus will be shrinking and shrinking (clearly unhealthy). The plaster will be a filthy filthy mess. Then I have to transfer the colony to a new or cleaned chamber so they can restart. And then it happens ... again.

Is this a sign of too much humidity?

ETA: Maybe too warm?

Or any other tips & tricks?

Edited by OhNoNotAgain, July 3 2023 - 11:29 AM.

Formiculture Journals::

Veromessor pergandei, andrei; Novomessor cockerelli

Camponotus fragilis; also separate journal: Camponotus sansabeanus, vicinus, quercicola

Liometopum occidentale; Prenolepis imparis; Myrmecocystus mexicanus

Pogonomyrmex subnitidus and previously californicus

Tetramorium sp.

Termites: Zootermopsis angusticollis

Isopods: A. gestroi, granulatum, kluugi, maculatum, vulgare; C. murina; P. hoffmannseggi, P. haasi, P. ornatus; V. parvus