7 replies to this topic

[AntPhycho]

Yes I checked the care sheets and the "Preferred Food by Species" page as well. I could not find much information, I know that these are a type of seed liking harvester ant, but I would like to know what type of seeds and what other proteins (mealworms, crickets, etc.) they would enjoy. I also would like to know what sugar sources they prefer, maybe honey or sugar water? 

[YsTheAnt]

From what I hear, they like black nyger seeds, cooked chicken, and various insects includign crickets.

[AntPhycho]

Mhm, so is there any other seeds they prefer? And do they prefer sugar water, honey or both?

[YsTheAnt]

Harvester ants in general don't like sugar as much, but if I were to guess it would be sugar water. All my ants prefer it over honey.

All of my seed consuming ants are fond of crushed sunflower seeds, and I would bet yours are too. Also try poppy seeds, my Pogonomyrmex love them.

Edited by YsTheAnt, June 17 2018 - 11:52 AM.

[AntPhycho]

Ok thanks for the help, I am thinking about just buying a mix of bird seed, there are lots of different types of seeds in the premixed bird seed packages.

[YsTheAnt]

That would work, but make sure there are more oblong seeds. Ants aren't great at consuming completely round varieties.

[AntPhycho]

That would work, but make sure there are more oblong seeds. Ants aren't great at consuming completely round varieties.

Oh, I think it is mostly white poppy seeds, you did recommend those although they are not very oblong...

 

Edit: I was just walking around my backyard when I saw what looked to be a massive Veromesser Pergandei nest. I noted that the outskirts of the nest consisted of a lot of bird feces all around the nest, I even saw a few ants carrying pieces into the nest. I thought it very strange for ants to like this. Not that I wanted to go outside and collect bird feces for my ants, I just thought it interesting. Here is a picture https://ibb.co/gb1PCy.

Edited by AntPhycho, June 17 2018 - 5:51 PM.

[anttics]

I have a colony. Their primary seed. The one they love thr most is Kentucky bluegrass seeds, then golden flaxseed when large majors are present. They also love sunflower seeds. Which they even feed the larva due to their protein. Get these 3 seeds you shoukd be fine. Has all the nutreients they need. I suggest to keep trying more seeds. Be careful not to get ones with chemicals, pestisides, growth adding chemicals. Get 100% natural seeds. For links go to market place and look for purchase guide. Insecta they eat anything now. But if they are a non mature cokony. Get fruit flies. Large meal worms. And crickets. Get then from petstores. Outside insects carry chemicals and parasites.