futurebird , (edited )
@futurebird@sauropods.win avatar

This is Tulip, the median carpenter ant worker. Today she enjoyed some wet cat food. I can’t seem to find Pepper, the ant with the green spot, I think she might have cleaned the paint off (she was very dusty) — stay tuned for more important Tulip updates. #tulip #ant #namedAnts

Tulip is about two years old. It's been nearly two years since I marked her. The queen of this colony is 4.

WuMargaret ,

@futurebird Tulip rules! Ants are so amazing. I want some aphid ranching ants.

futurebird OP ,
@futurebird@sauropods.win avatar

@WuMargaret

Some of my ants would love to keep aphids, but the problem is providing the aphids with healthy plants and not having the ants tear them apart? I've been thinking of making a natural nest, which would mean not being able to see the ants inside of their nest, but I could give them plants and aphids, which could be fun.

Ppampolim ,
@Ppampolim@mastodon.social avatar

@futurebird @WuMargaret That's the first step into building a Pantdora like the guy from AntsCnada 😉

mark ,
@mark@mastodon.fixermark.com avatar

@futurebird This is the first time I've ever realized I have no idea how long individual worker ants live in the wild.

I've always assumed their lifespans were measured in months, not years. Amazing!

Gobabu ,
@Gobabu@mastodon.social avatar

@futurebird
Pika, watch your plate!

futurebird OP ,
@futurebird@sauropods.win avatar

@Gobabu

shhh! she doesn't know!

aadmaa ,
@aadmaa@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@futurebird @Gobabu I did not know worker ants could live two years. Are you writing a book? I hope so. I love your voice. It's not just naming the ants; you bring us right into their world.

Pollinators ,
@Pollinators@epicure.social avatar

@futurebird. Tulip is looking good. She wears her markings without a fuss.

alexhaist ,
@alexhaist@wandering.shop avatar

@futurebird team tulip forever!

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