Ants in Agriculture
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Ants in Agriculture
Hi there, I'm doing research into integrating ants into small scale farming, not for business, just for homesteading. I know weaver ants are a good option in asia, africa, and australia, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any good native species to northern California, specifically the bay area, and what tips you might have for integration into farming.
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Re: Ants in Agriculture
I would say that some antspecies might come in handy as "biological pesticides" as they might just protect your Orchard from damaging ground insects. However they will only work to a certain extend. Especially if the colonies are just very small and don't have many workers. I don't know what species to recommend but most definitely a local species.
Since you mentioned Asia, AntsCanada mentioned that some ants live on Dragon Fruit plants/trees and protect the Fruits this way.
Of course to maintain a healthy colony you need to make sure that they can find enough food to not just decide that they need to move on.
I don't know how well this list is maintained but it might be something to start off on.
https://www.inaturalist.org/check_lists/11007-Ants-of-California
Since you mentioned Asia, AntsCanada mentioned that some ants live on Dragon Fruit plants/trees and protect the Fruits this way.
Of course to maintain a healthy colony you need to make sure that they can find enough food to not just decide that they need to move on.
I don't know how well this list is maintained but it might be something to start off on.
https://www.inaturalist.org/check_lists/11007-Ants-of-California
Doing some proper research is the best way to start an antcolony.
Need help or want to help? https://forum.AntsCanada.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=18153#p70566
Currently not keeping any ants anymore.
Need help or want to help? https://forum.AntsCanada.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=18153#p70566
Currently not keeping any ants anymore.
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- Posts: 2402
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- Location: United States, Florida
Re: Ants in Agriculture
I know that Camponotus Floridanus has been recorded to defend plants with EFN’s(Extra floral nectaries)AntsLuxembourg wrote: ↑Wed Mar 09, 2022 7:40 amI would say that some antspecies might come in handy as "biological pesticides" as they might just protect your Orchard from damaging ground insects. However they will only work to a certain extend. Especially if the colonies are just very small and don't have many workers. I don't know what species to recommend but most definitely a local species.
Since you mentioned Asia, AntsCanada mentioned that some ants live on Dragon Fruit plants/trees and protect the Fruits this way.
Of course to maintain a healthy colony you need to make sure that they can find enough food to not just decide that they need to move on.
I don't know how well this list is maintained but it might be something to start off on.
https://www.inaturalist.org/check_lists/11007-Ants-of-California
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