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Why do my carpenter ants play with cotton?


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4 replies to this topic

#1 Offline futurebird - Posted March 9 2024 - 7:30 AM

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I used cotton to block their tube during the trip, and naturally the pulled at it getting some loose. They have taken it to a corner and there are a few of them just playing with it? Pulling at it, putting bits of trash in it. They aren't tangled or caught, but I'm surprised they are still messing with it as day later. 

 

What on earth are they doing?

 

My current theory is the cotton has "dig this" pheromone soaked into it from their attempts to escape during the trip and it's still triggering some of the less ... perceptive ants to bite and pull at it?


Edited by futurebird, March 9 2024 - 7:36 AM.

Starting this July I'm posting videos of my ants every week on youTube.

I like to make relaxing videos that capture the joy of watching ants.

If that sounds like your kind of thing... follow me >here<


#2 Offline GOCAMPONOTUS - Posted March 9 2024 - 7:36 AM

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Is it a big.colony?

Currently keeping
1.Camponotus vicinus. 5 workers
2.Camponotus modoc. 5 workers
3. Camponotus hyatti. 1 worker
4.Veromessor pergandei. founding
5 Linepithema humile. 70-100 workers 5 queens
6. Pheidole Californica. 65 workers

I want: Atta,Myrmecia,Myrmica,Myrmecocystus

#3 Offline futurebird - Posted March 9 2024 - 8:26 AM

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Yes about 800 or so ants. 


Starting this July I'm posting videos of my ants every week on youTube.

I like to make relaxing videos that capture the joy of watching ants.

If that sounds like your kind of thing... follow me >here<


#4 Offline GOCAMPONOTUS - Posted March 9 2024 - 8:32 AM

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I would agree on your theory as.this is a big colony they want to dig out and explore.

Currently keeping
1.Camponotus vicinus. 5 workers
2.Camponotus modoc. 5 workers
3. Camponotus hyatti. 1 worker
4.Veromessor pergandei. founding
5 Linepithema humile. 70-100 workers 5 queens
6. Pheidole Californica. 65 workers

I want: Atta,Myrmecia,Myrmica,Myrmecocystus

#5 Offline PurdueEntomology - Posted March 9 2024 - 9:10 AM

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I questioned mine on this odd behavior and they told me it was simply an addiction and nervous tick.  They seemed slightly embarrassed so I did not press the issue. I left it at that and just thought, "An ant thing"!


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