Hello, I recently acquired a few Acromyrmex versicolor queens that flew a few days ago. I put then all together in a small, temporary soil setup and they have dug themselves in. My only concern is that they seem to have rejected the small orange pellet that the fungus grows on. They keep it above ground and none of the queens are tending it. Queens need this pellet to begin their fungus garden, correct? If so, I'm looking for someone with an Acromyrmex colony, preferably versicolor because I am unsure if they will accept fungus from another species. I need a small piece the size of a pea and am willing to pay for it and cover shipping costs. If I am unable to obtain a supply of healthy fungus, are the queens doomed to failure?
Thanks
Its not very good to put them all together but in this stage that isn't the biggest problem you have. Like you said, they need fungus and they need it soon.
That still is not a fact, some believe they take a little bit of fungus from there old nest to start a new one, but that part is never proved.
I know you can buy fungus from Antstore. Its to hard for European people to send fungus to you, the fungus probably don't survive the trip.
It would be much easier if you have some one in the USA that could send you some fungus.
Good luck.
Hello from New York. I have a new A. Versicolor from AZ. It came in a small pill vial w/damp paper. The seller stated to leave in the vial until a brood starts. I have a heat lamp over the vial as they are supposed to like it hot! I plan to place the brood into a aquarium with a aqua heater for heat/humidity.
I also recieved a number of other q's-honey pots and harvesters.
Any advice from your stand point? Also I would be willing to trade some NY species if mine don't live.
Tom