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Sphecomyrmex: Lasius niger (15. Nov 2007 15:07)

Hi all,
I have purchased a Lasius niger colony last month. This is my first colony, then I have had many problems in the breeding. I fed Lasius niger with mosquitoes - and other small insects - and small pieces of meat. But they don't eat honeywater. What other food could I give besides the meat?

Thanks.

miszt: (15. Nov 2007 15:14)

Try diffrent types of honey, also you can make a sugar-water solution with either one teaspoon of standard sugar mixed with a few drops of water, or fructose, even better but obviously more expensive

dead insects are the best source of protien, due to the preservatives often added to commercial meat

JimmyVe: (15. Nov 2007 17:55)

I only give mine insects and honey ore sugar water. And they do fine. ;)

Purifier: (15. Nov 2007 21:32)

Or try some maple sirup....
But keep in mind that your Lasius niger need hibernation ;)
In hibernation they only eat a little bit.

mpir: (16. Nov 2007 08:33)

It´s very unlikely that ants will eat liquid food in time of hibernation. Part of the strategy on how to survive very low winter temperatures is lowering amount of body water and highering the amount of salt in the body. By doing so the temperatures can go bellow zero and ants will not freeze. And so survive the winter.
But wait... I wrote this on the forum at least 5 times. I feel like an old record. :(

@miszt
any progres on that FAQ?? :wink:

fernando_regio: (20. Nov 2007 01:26)

I give mine dry shrimp, its food for turtles and once in a while i get some bugs that i catch or at home or in the street, they eat well all of them, plus the sugar water and honney water, its all they need. If you are having problems with food, try the dry food tipes for turtles and other animals that often can be found in super markets and other stores of the kind.