3 replies to this topic

[Stevesteve]

I finished my aerated concrete formicarium and set the test tube up on the exit port (secured with sticky tape!), left my Messor barbarus Queen and four workers to get on with it. I put a cloth over the new area and left the tube in the light. After 24hrs they had moved the eggs and larvae indoors.

I have now attached a small out world area for them to allow me to feed them but they don't seem to be venturing out yet. There is some tempting honey gel and banana gel in there.

I am going to make a string-capillary water supply to go in there also.

Have I forgotten anything?
Cheers,
Steve

[Ntume]

Messor won't eat jelly or sugar water. Also messor tend to make a lot of mess in nests too big for small colonies.. My advice: feed them very small seeds (not too much, else they only store them) and some fruitflies.

[Stevesteve]

Messor won't eat jelly or sugar water. Also messor tend to make a lot of mess in nests too big for small colonies.. My advice: feed them very small seeds (not too much, else they only store them) and some fruitflies.

Ok, is fine or crushed bird seed suitable?

[Ntume]

I have fed them crushed birdseed if nothing else was available. I have about 6 different species of messor in my care and i vary a lot in their diet. I feed them wild dandelion seeds, grass seed, chia seeds, quinoa, whole grain wild rice (uncooked) sesame seeds and so on. Can also feed them tiny bits of wallnut and crushed sunflower seeds (unsalted and untreated) good luck!