11 replies to this topic

[MiaRose]

So I have heard mixed things about keeping ants in the light...some say they get used to it, others say it's just outright better to keep them in the dark...

 

What's the general consensus? Can ants get used to the light or are they better off in the dark?

 

 

[drtrmiller]

Aversion to light is a conditioned response to ant nests always being dark.

While queens will have originated from a wild colony, and so will always feel more comfortable in darkness, workers reared in captivity with some ambient lighting will be be less averse to changes in lighting conditions.

If you keep your ants in the dark all the time, they'll be alarmed when you shine light on them to observe them. Conversely, if you constantly expose your ants to some artificial lighting, shining a light on them will create less of a disturbance.

Some species of ants may be more or less tolerant or adaptable to light exposure than others. Wild caught colonies take the longest time to recondition.

Edited by drtrmiller, December 14 2016 - 1:28 AM.

[Serafine]

I've read from several sources that ant brood develops faster and better in darkness.

[AntsMAN]

I keep all my ant colonies in a semi lit room 24/7, and they all seem fine.The only colony I find highly sensitive is my Formica sp. but they are scared or everything. Camponotus seem to be the least concerned.

Edited by AntsMAN, December 14 2016 - 7:32 AM.

[Saftron]

I keep my Tetramorium and Aphaenogaster in day light until the sun goes down. They don't mind, they do mind bright lights like flashlights though.

[noebl1]

I've read one disadvantage of them being used to the light is they could end up nesting in locations you may not want; outworlds, tubing, etc.  

[drtrmiller]

I've read from several sources that ant brood develops faster and better in darkness.

 

I'd have to see the sources, but I can think of no reason this would be the case except for a colony which is not well-adjusted, in which case stress would be the factor, not an effect of the light on the brood itself.

[noebl1]

 

I've read from several sources that ant brood develops faster and better in darkness.

 

I'd have to see the sources, but I can think of no reason this would be the case except for a colony which is not well-adjusted, in which case stress would be the factor, not an effect of the light on the brood itself.

 

 

Scientific papers: No.  Mostly comments from people experiencing on forums; but your point is well taken about other factors.  It does seem that it could negate being able to use light as a method of trying to get them to move out of an undesired location.

[AntsMAN]

My understanding was the heat from the light is what gets them to move, no so much the light it's self.

[drtrmiller]

The intensity of lighting and other factors, among which are temperature, relative humidity, safety from disturbances such as wind, rain, and predators, and proximity to water and food are evaluated by ants when choosing a nesting location.  For example, ants may establish their nest on a liquid feeder filled with water if their intended formicarium nesting area becomes unfavorably dry, regardless of lighting or other factors.

 

If you imagine a sterile setup where all things are equal, with a designated foraging area and nest on opposite sides, then keeping the foraging area side relatively brighter will generally cause the ants to prefer the other side as their nest.  Lighting is all about relativity, and if the baseline ambient lighting is at a comfortable level for viewing, then the ants will be less disturbed by small changes.  If the baseline is complete darkness, then even small changes to our perception of visible lighting will have a profound impact on the ants' natural alarm response to an intrusion.

 

My understanding was the heat from the light is what gets them to move, no so much the light it's self.

 

It is a combination of visible light, UV light, and excessive heat which produces an alarm response and emergency nest relocation.  The ants can sense all these things, and have evolved to avoid them when seeking shelter.

[1000101011]

so a bit off light is ok or even beneficial as long as it isn't collapsing-star kinda bright .

[Mdrogun]

For me, I would make a decision on whether or not to try to acclimate your ants to light on a case to case basis. Something like Camponotus or Tetramorium which are generally quite easy to raise and not too sensitive would be fine. If you're trying to raise a Pseudomyrmex queen then i would definitely recommend you don't try to acclimate her to light since these are notoriously sensitive and difficult.