|
Well, this is my first ever blog entry, and this is my first ever web site dedicated to the world of Ants...but first, let me introduce myself.
My name is Marcus, but you can call me Jaikaiman (pronounced J K Man). Jaikaiman as my online name came about a very long time ago. Back in the 90's I used to play a great PC game called Dungeon Keeper, so I was known as dkman. Then later, I got into the game Jedi Knight, and was then known as jkman. But that didn't sound very Star Wars, so I turned it into Jaikaiman.
I have had many websites in my time, Sith Central (dedicated to the afformentioned Jedi Knight), Eden Central (dedicated to the game Black and White), Coaster Central (dedicated to the game Roller Coaster Tycoon), PerplexMe (a current site dedicated to the online ARG Perplex City), and Dismembermyenemy (a site created for a friend, its a clan game site). And finally, this site Antpage.
Now, recently, last week actually, I bought myself a formicarium and colony of ants from a well know German Ant related site.
The kit was a Starter kit containing an antfarm, basin, and related bits and bobs. Excellent kit, and excellent service from Antstore I must say, and an ideal starter set uup for anyone wanting to get into Ant Keeping.
The ants I bought could have been caught in this country quite easily, and I have kept them before when I was in my teens. Myrmica Ruginodis, Red Ants to you and I. These are a fantastic ant, very active, and interesting to watch. Frequent tunnellers, and great for feeding flys to.
After putting the starter kit items together I introduced the colony to their new home. The colony consisted of between 40 and 50 workers, one queen, and a number of larvae in various stages of development.
The first few hours they spent feeding on the honey water and flies that I gave to them, and the normal water aswell. They then went about searching their new environment. What was interesting to watch was the main group of Ants stayed within the test tube with the queen and larvae. I can only assume these are nurse ants. The other workers quickly found the main farm area, and have even managed to escape it. Luckily I found the gap, and was able to plug it.
The ants are now into their second day, and have not yet moved into the main farm, although Im not expecting that to happen for a while yet.
Interestingly, the ants decided to cover up honeywater with sand, and they also began to put sand onto the water sponge. Don't know why, but I will keep you posted.
Well, thats the end of my first blog, Hope you enjoyed it, and remember, as a member of the site (you must register to be a member) you can write your own blogs!
Cheers, JK
|
