7 April 2023
It’s now Spring and my ants are waking up from their winter hibernation. As is usual, the Myrmica rubra stayed a little active during the cold months, whereas the Lasius niger tended to stay in the nest.
Both colonies seemed to have fared well during hibernation, with both queens looking healthy, and laying eggs.
I have given them some freshly killed crickets which were received very well, causing many ants to emerge from their nests and feed.
I’m looking forward to seeing what they have in store for 2023.
My cat was laying out in the garden today, right next to a colony of Lasius niger. He’s no longer there. I think they’ve dragged him into their nest! Eek!
Though I knew that you were joking about your cat, it did make me wonder, as I read in your really informative guide that the ants will eat carrion and just wondered if they would also try to sample something living if it refused to move. I’m now wondering if, instead of insects, Lasius Niger might accept the odd morsel of minced beef.
It was great to read so much about our UK ants and how many different species there are. Thank you for sharing.
Up till finding your blog, I’ve really only been learning about the types of ants found in the Phillipines, having recently discovered the AntsCanada YouTube channel… he fed his fire ants chicken feet by the way, but I guess those are easier to come across in the Phillipines where the butchers seem to sell all parts of an animal, a bit like this country did 60 odd years ago.
Anyways, will stop rambling on. Just wanted to leave a comment to say thanks for such an informative website. Sorry my comment is on this older post, rather than a newer one, it’s just I’m reading backwards at the moment and I (rather callously) laughed about your cat. Best wishes, and I hope that you’ve fully recovered from the GA by now.
Hello Lynn
Very many thanks for taking the time to comment.
My cat is, thankfully, still alive and well. 🙂
I’m very pleased to hear that 😀