Alexander:): Hey just a question :P (27. Apr 2008 19:52)

Hey i have some Lasius Niger attached to a farm. And i was wondering instead of covering the tube with black masking tape could i cover it with Red Sticky PVC?????? So this would act as the dark??

Thanks

Alex

miszt: (27. Apr 2008 20:30)

Many insects, including Lasius niger cant see red, so yes that should work

(dont need so many ?'s tho :P )

Alexander:): (27. Apr 2008 20:34)

Cheers miszt :D

tail__: (28. Apr 2008 09:40)

Most ants can get used to normal daylight, you don't really need to keep them in darkness.

JimmyVe: (28. Apr 2008 15:51)

Miszt i think you are wrong on this (for the first time i think ;) ) Lasius niger can see red light. Most insects can't but they do. There where a few tests about that (i personally did it to).

Some species could get used living in daylight. But only if you do it from the beginning. And not all species like that.

Alexander:): (28. Apr 2008 16:08)

hmmm but it wont harm my queen?

Alex

JimmyVe: (28. Apr 2008 16:14)

There is another discussion about this question going on. And as i said there. It is always better to give your ants a natural habitat. In nature they live in the dark so...

miszt: (28. Apr 2008 16:30)

oo well i stand corrected!

Yes, Alex, if your queen has never been in darkness (Lasius niger) then light wont be a problem for the colony, but if she has had time to develop photophobia, you will be giving them allot of stress if u suddenly make their nest light, they will use allot of energy trying to hide

and as already said, its better to give them as natrual a habitat as possible

Alexander:): (28. Apr 2008 16:33)

But she does look quite happy with the red PVC. Sitting in the middle of the tube with eggs all around her.

Alex

JimmyVe: (28. Apr 2008 17:00)

We only suggest what is probably the best for you ants (queen).