von badman » 9. Apr 2008 19:34
Strange behaviour from ligniperda. Woke up to find their test tube in the heated foraging area was deserted and the colony had moved into the connecting pipe (which connects to un-used farm). All the caccoons are at the end which connects to the foraging area. The queen is halfway down the pipe with the brood and also curiously one caccoon.
I cleaned the test tube thoroughly. put in fresh water and cotton wool and replaced it.
The next day the ants moved the caccoons and some eggs back into the test tube, and 3 of them stand guard. (There are only 3 workers in this busy little colony) The queen is left alone in the pipe with some eggs and larvae there too.
This colony is very interesting. I almost am regretting the time when they finally dig themselves a nest.