Feeder insects
Live, frozen and dried insects — the main source of protein for an ant colony.
Why ants need insects
Sugars give ants energy, while larvae need protein to grow. Without protein a colony stops developing, even if the queen keeps laying eggs. Even seed-eating harvester ants benefit from an occasional insect.
Types of feeder insects
- Crickets and cockroaches — an all-round food; small colonies get young insects or pieces.
- Mealworm beetles and their larvae — a nutritious food; cut large larvae before feeding.
- Fruit flies (Drosophila) — small prey for young colonies and small species.
- Frozen and dried insects — a convenient supply with a long shelf life.
How to feed
- Match the prey to the ants: a young colony only needs a piece of an insect.
- Offer protein several times a week, more often when the colony has many larvae.
- Remove leftovers from the arena within a day to prevent mould and mites.
- Freeze live feeder insects before giving them to ants so they cannot harm the colony.
- Do not feed ants insects caught outdoors: they may carry pesticides or parasites.