Lasius Niger fungus garden?

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jarnozoxx

Lasius Niger fungus garden?

Post: # 18833Post jarnozoxx
Sat Apr 01, 2017 3:32 pm

Hi,

I've had this Lasius Niger colony for about 2 years and I have noticed something weird.
In one of the chambers of the nest (Ytong nest) they're constantly busy with what I would imagine a fungus garden would look like. This seems unlikely to me because Lasius N. doesn't usually have them. I thought it could be a garbage pile, but why would they tend to it and keep some larvae close?

Pictures:
Image
Image

Does anyone have any idea what it could be?

Thanks!

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Batspiderfish
Posts: 3315
Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2016 3:47 pm
Location: Maine

Re: Lasius Niger fungus garden?

Post: # 18847Post Batspiderfish
Sat Apr 01, 2017 9:27 pm

Most cocoon-using ants bury their mature larvae before pupation, to provide anchoring points for the silk.
If you enjoy my expertise and identifications, please do not put wild populations at risk of disease by releasing pet colonies. We are responsible to give our pets the best care we can manage for the rest of their lives.

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