7 replies to this topic

[i2chip]

So far my Trachymymex colony is doing fairly well, but I know that they need to build on that fungus garden a good bit more. So far they have only accepted oak pollen and only a few oak leaves. I'm not sure why they are so picky on the oak leaves. I have tried to give them rose pedals but, there was no interest. So do you guys have any suggestions on what I should feed this colony?

Thanks!

[Runner12]

Caterpillar droppings are the primary substrate for their fungus growth unfortunately, I'm not sure how you would get those other than getting a culture of caterpillars. I've heard rabbit droppings have been used in captivity, you might see if you can find some from a pet store or something

The fact that they mostly use fecal matter to grow their fungus is kind of what's kept me away from them. In general they prefer decaying plant matter too

Edited by Runner12, June 16 2016 - 10:09 AM.

[i2chip]

Caterpillar droppings are the primary substrate for their fungus growth unfortunately, I'm not sure how you would get those other than getting a culture of caterpillars. I've heard rabbit droppings have been used in captivity, you might see if you can find some from a pet store or something

The fact that they mostly use fecal matter to grow their fungus is kind of what's kept me away from them. In general they prefer decaying plant matter too

Thanks for the information, I saw online that caterpillar droppings may work, but like you said, I have no idea how to get them.

[Vendayn]

Might be worth a try, and I recommend getting a smaller amount of it to begin with if you decide to go for it. But you can get dried raspberry leaves off amazon for not that much. I personally got a pound of it for my Acromyrmex for 23 dollars (shipping was free) and they like it really well. A lot of Leafcutters love raspberry leaves. It looks like the smallest amount is an ounce for 7 dollars or so, not quite as good as a deal, but not too worthwhile getting a pound of it if they don't like them.

 

May not work with yours since they are completely different and don't really even have the same "diet", but might be a worthwhile recommendation. It seems like something that they'd like. But a good possibility they'll just ignore it, though never know.

Edited by Vendayn, June 16 2016 - 10:53 AM.

[i2chip]

Might be worth a try, and I recommend getting a smaller amount of it to begin with if you decide to go for it. But you can get dried raspberry leaves off amazon for not that much. I personally got a pound of it for my Acromyrmex for 23 dollars (shipping was free) and they like it really well. A lot of Leafcutters love raspberry leaves. It looks like the smallest amount is an ounce for 7 dollars or so, not quite as good as a deal, but not too worthwhile getting a pound of it if they don't like them.

 

May not work with yours since they are completely different and don't really even have the same "diet", but might be a worthwhile recommendation. It seems like something that they'd like. But a good possibility they'll just ignore it, though never know.

I'll buy some on amazon and see how they react, I hope they like it haha!

[MrILoveTheAnts]

Setting up a few pans beneath an oak tree can be a way to collect caterpillar frass. They may also like that of grasshoppers or other plant nibbling insects.

 

Flower petals to a variety of plants, particularly if they've been plucked and fallen to the ground, are favorable to having to cut them off themselves.

[EstuaryAnts]

 

Caterpillar droppings are the primary substrate for their fungus growth unfortunately, I'm not sure how you would get those other than getting a culture of caterpillars. I've heard rabbit droppings have been used in captivity, you might see if you can find some from a pet store or something

The fact that they mostly use fecal matter to grow their fungus is kind of what's kept me away from them. In general they prefer decaying plant matter too

Thanks for the information, I saw online that caterpillar droppings may work, but like you said, I have no idea how to get them.

 

Dog food works well for mine or flower petals.

[BrittonLS]

I have read that Trachymyrmex might really like catkins, especially oak catkins.