Seeds and grain mixes

Who needs seeds

Harvester ants (Messor, Veromessor) live mostly on seeds: they store them in granaries, and big-headed workers crack the husks. Some other ants, such as Pheidole, also take small seeds readily.

How to use

• Offer small untreated seeds: poppy, chia, flax, canary seed and grass seeds.
• Avoid salted, roasted or chemically treated seeds and coated bird mixes.
• Keep seeds dry, as damp ones go mouldy in the nest.
• Add a few insects to the diet for the brood.