ANTSTORE World of Ants

[miszt]

Does anyone have any info on species found in Gambia or Western Africa? I'm heading over there in a few weeks, and once again havent managed to find any good sources of info! (really need to get The Ants book!!!!)

[JimmyVe]

Can't help you with that miszt, but i'm sure you are going to find some nice species over there. Take some with you for us lol

[miszt]

the only ants I know about really are Driver ants, but i dont think i'll bring them back haha

[Sphecomyrmex]

Driver ants are common more in Ivory coast, Nigeria and Cameroun, than in Gamibia. On the site "the ants of africa", you can find more informations on ants who live in sub-saharian africa.

Regards.

[Sphecomyrmex]

Ah, excuse me, this is website:

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[miszt]

cheers sphec, i had looked at that site, not much info on Gambia tho, nvm, will have a bit more of a dig around it

[Sphecomyrmex]

I don't know other websites on african ants...i think there aren't exclusive sites on ants of Gamibia.
however, wishes for your permanence in Gamibia. I'm sure that you could see more interesting species.

[miszt]

I managed to find a list of ants in Gambia, only about 20 species tho, which seems very low, but i'll see when I get there I guess!

[Sphecomyrmex]

How did you find that list? are there some Dorylus too?

[miszt]

yep Hyperlinks sind nur für registrierte Nutzer sichtbar

[miszt]

an interesting use for Driver ants by the Maasi

Such is the strength of the ant's jaws, in East Africa they are used as natural, emergency sutures. Maasai moroni, when they suffer a gash in the bush, will use the soldiers to stitch the wound, by getting the ants to bite on both sides of the gash, then breaking off the body. This seal can hold for days at a time.

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although, personally, I'd rather goto the emergancy room and get it done by a doctor! lol

[SteveUK28]

lol i think im with you miszt..

[Sphecomyrmex]

Very interesting, but no only this use...ancient african kings used driver ants for to get rid their enemies: they tied them on poles, along the run of the colonies...

I've seen the list: less species than I thought. The interesting species are only two: Oecophylla Longinoda e Dorylus rufescens. However, in distribution tables of "ants of africa", are repoted only the species who are brought took from collectors: it is probable, the species are more a lot of it.

[miszt]

yeah I am sure there are allot more than that aswell, Oec and Dory are definitly the most interesting in that list, however good to see camp. sericius there aswell, as my Queen from kalatya died before getting to me may get sum more if I am lucky, however I cant find any information on mating in Gambia, probly wont be when I am there in Jan, as there is less than 1mm or rain then, 'wet' season is march - nov, but even then it is only about 5mm lol with such a lack of rain all year round, I am hoping that mateing flights take place at odd intervals so I may get lucky

[mpir]

an interesting use for Driver ants by the Maasi

Such is the strength of the ant's jaws, in East Africa they are used as natural, emergency sutures. Maasai moroni, when they suffer a gash in the bush, will use the soldiers to stitch the wound, by getting the ants to bite on both sides of the gash, then breaking off the body. This seal can hold for days at a time.

Hyperlinks sind nur für registrierte Nutzer sichtbar

although, personally, I'd rather goto the emergancy room and get it done by a doctor! lol

Hey, I've seen this in Apocalypse - Mel Gibbson's movie.

Emergency room? Doctor? In Gambia? Hehehe... I don't think so....