This Atta species is an all-rounder and less vulnerable than other species of its genus. The differences in keeping it are marginal - however, this species is more robust in the short and long term and has therefore proven itself in keeping ants. Zoological facilities and institutes can also benefit from this.
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species concept
own attitude
Has there ever been a report on keeping ants that started so disastrously? I don't know. Everyone who knows me knows that problem cases are exactly my thing. I don't give up on the ants and raise them again, sometimes with great effort.
Interim report: ➥ Date: August 22, 2024 (Day 0)
The sturdy package with well-packaged goods was delivered at 2 p.m. At this point, it was not yet possible to estimate what would happen next. The system was heated and humidified. It also consists of two 30x20x20cm tanks and a short connection.
Interim report: ➥ Date: August 23, 2024
A day later, the situation didn't look much better. The mushroom was slowly being sorted. It was obvious that the workers themselves didn't really know how to make something useful out of it. It wasn't until the evening that the situation slowly improved. However, you can't build anything with a broken mushroom - so you need a replacement mushroom, right?
Here the entire mushroom is rummaged through. Brood is stored and everything that can be used is re-sorted. You can clearly see the plastic cover. The queen is underneath (dark spot). No trace of healthy mushroom.
Interim report: ➥ Date: August 24, 2024
On August 24th, the mushroom looked something like this. The grey-mottled beginnings on the tip of the mushroom were particularly promising. A replacement mushroom would be a good alternative for any regular ant keeper. Personally, I can manage with this basis. And that can be proven in the next post.
Interim report: ➥ Date: August 25, 2024
On Sunday, August 25, 2024, I was finally able to determine this result.I am happy to document it here: The colony has gray fungus and that without(!) replacement fungus.Now the colony has a chance to get back on track even without replacement fungus.The signs are good. The food supply has also been replaced.
I am pleased that the colony has survived the ordeal. If the queen does not suddenly die, you will be able to view the colony when you pick her up in the future. You can find out what happens next here. Everything will be fine! :-)
Interim report: ➥ Date: August 28, 2024
The health of the fungus is improving day by day. The ants are doing an incredible amount of rebuilding work. However, they are already benefiting from the nutrients provided by the healthy fungus.
The queen - you can still observe her daily activities. As the fungi grow, she will become increasingly invisible.
The brood units will hatch soon - I expect the amount of mushrooms to double. A new setup is imminent - and is currently being set up. If the colony is large enough, it will be moved.